Rheumatic Fever-Heart Disease in Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Pakistan is located in the geographic belt of rheumatic fever heart disease, 1ongwith Nepal, India, Afghanistan, Iran, Egypt, Morocco ani other African countries. Failure of control of this ailment is linked with socio—econornical maldevelopment in these countries. Preventabil ity of this disease has not taken roots in our country, and the ghost of this disease which licks the joints and bites the heart still profoundly exists. Although more centres are now involved in studies on treatment and prevent ion of rheumatic heart disease, consensus on preventive strategy, specially on secondary prophylaxis, does not exist. This report summarises prevalence information and efforts on prevention of rheumatic fever heart disease in Pakistan.