Rheumatic Heart Disease in Ethiopia

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is a preventable illness that quietly steals childhoods and futures. It begins with an untreated sore throat or skin infection, which can trigger rheumatic fever and, over time, cause permanent damage to the heart valves. Globally, more than 55 million people are living with RHD, and the disease takes over 360,000 lives every year. In Ethiopia, the challenge is even greater: the overall pooled prevalence is estimated at 3.19%, making RHD one of the leading causes of heart failure in children, teens, and young adults. Healing Valves is here to change that. We are actively fundraising to provide lifesaving open-heart surgeries for children and young people affected by RHD. But our mission doesn’t stop at surgery. Through every operation, we also build awareness and education across schools, families, and communities, helping to prevent future cases through early detection, timely care, and advocacy. Together, we can protect young hearts, restore futures, and create a generation free from the burden of RHD.