Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026

Comprehensive & Cost Effective Laboratory Monitoring of HIV/AIDS: an African Role Model
Published on: October 31, 2010
The "Cairo Accord"- towards the eradication of RHD: revisited (2026)
Susy Kotit1, Magdi Yacoub1,2
1Aswan Heart Centre, Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation, Aswan, Egypt.
Insights
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a major global health issue, especially in poorer areas. This article revisits the Cairo Accord to update strategies for RHD eradication, focusing on progress and new recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Global Health
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) poses a significant global health burden, disproportionately affecting children and young adults in resource-limited settings.
- RHD is a preventable yet often neglected condition, causing substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revisit the Cairo Accord and outline policy priorities for the eradication of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).
- To present updated recommendations based on progress made since the 2021 update in RHD management and research.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advancements in RHD research and control strategies.
- Analysis of progress in disease registries, screening, and therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Highlighting significant progress in RHD management and research since the last update.
- Formulating updated recommendations for RHD eradication efforts.
Conclusions:
- Continued focus on disease registries, echocardiographic screening, and genetic research is crucial.
- Accelerating the development of Centers of Excellence and innovative treatments like MV repair and tissue-engineered valves is recommended for RHD eradication.
Abstract:
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) continues to be a significant global health burden, particularly in resource-limited regions of the world. This preventable and often neglected disease affects predominantly children and young adults, leading to considerable morbidity and mortality. In this article, we revisit the Cairo Accord that aims to address the challenges of RHD and set policy priorities for its eradication. We highlight the most remarkable progress in the field since the 2021 update, formulating updated recommendations. These include enhancing disease registries and echocardiographic screening, advance research on host and streptococcal strains genetics, biomarkers, vaccines, pharmaceuticals and penicillin prophylaxis, accelerate the development of regional Centers of Excellence, promoting MV repair and the development of tissue-engineered valve substitutes.
Related Concept Videos
Rh Blood Group
Hepatitis
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV) and Cancer
RSV is a retrovirus that contains two copies of a plus-strand RNA genome. Its genome consists of four main open...

