Is primary prevention of rheumatic fever the missing link in the control of rheumatic heart disease in Africa?
” offers a concise and challenging assessment of current and emerging strategies to control RHD, and presents a powerful argument for the syndromic treatment of suspected streptococcal sore throat as a primary prevention strategy which could be successfully implemented in resource-poor settings globally. Equally important, throughout the report they remind us that the underlying and fundamental cause of RHD is poor living conditions, and advocate that “over and above the preventive strategies, living conditions and health care must improve substantially in order to reduce disease burden…” This Special Report is exceptionally worthy of reading, discussing, and sharing but is not freely available at present. Following is a summary of key points. We will promptly provide additional information if the publisher opens access to the report. ——————— The report summarizes a wide range of “rationales and strategies” for preventing rheumatic fever and RHD, then poses and discusse
