D Millard-Bullock

The Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease Control Programme – Jamaica

Issue:

Vol 61, issue 4 (2012) - Special Issue on Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago 50 years Independence

Pages:

361–4

Synopsis:

The rheumatic fever/rheumatic heart disease (RF/RHD) control programme – Jamaica began in July 1985 and promotes primary prevention of RF by appropriate treatment of streptococcal throat infections. Secondary prevention is the main focus of the programme by administration of benzathine penicillin injections every four weeks to patients with RF/RHD.

ABSTRACT

Background: Rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are significant causes of cardiovascular disease in young adults and children especially in developing countries. In 1984, the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Society and Federation of Cardiology (ISFC) initiated an International Programme for Prevention of RF/RHD in 16 developing countries, including Jamaica. The Jamaican RF/RHD National Control Programme began in July 1985.

PDF Attachment: