Research on RHD & CVD
To reduce the global rise of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including Rheumatic Heart Diseases (RHD), we at the Global Heartcare Foundation are conducting research with our partners to build knowledge and to document our programmatic outcomes.
What We Do · Conduct Research
Our Research
Research Conducted in Tanzania
Goal: Identify prevalence of RHD among school aged children in Tanzania’s Northern Zone.
Rheumatic Heart Disease Prevalence Study
In September 2020, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center launched the Rheumatic Heart Disease Prevalence study, which is one of the first studies to identify the prevalence, risk factors, management and outcomes of rheumatic heart disease among children in the Northern zone in Tanzania.
Study findings will be shared with the Tanzanian Ministry of Health to improve care and treatment of cardiovascular diseases in Tanzania. One-thousand school aged children and over 400 patients at KCMC have been screened for RHD.
Study Leaders
Dr. Blandina Mmbaga, Mmed, PhD, Dr. Kajiru Kilonzo, Dr. Florida Muro, Dr. Gissela Nyakunga, Dr. Vibhu R. Kshettry, FACS, FRCS, Dr. Dawn Witt, PhD, MPH
Metabolic Syndrome and Its Associated Factors Among Adult HIV Infected Patients on Dolutegravir Based Antiretroviral Therapy at KCMC
A cross sectional analytical hospital based study.
Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center, Moshi, Tanzania
Study Leaders
Dr. Tumaini E. Mirai, Resident - Internal Medicine Supervisor: Dr. Furaha S. Lyamuya, Dr. Vibhu R. Kshettry
Research Conducted in Ethiopia
Goal: Better understand the burden of heart disease in Ethiopia.
Spectrum of Cardiovascular Diseases in Ethiopia
Global Heartcare Foundation supported a research study coordinated by Dr. Dejuma Yadeta, a cardiologist at Addis Ababa University. The study looked at the spectrum of heart disease in six major referral hospitals in Ethiopia. This study aimed to better understand the burden of heart disease in Ethiopia, including the many children and young adults who arrive at these hospitals with rheumatic heart disease. The study was key to raising the profile of children with heart disease to the Federal Ministry of Health. Download the Spectrum of Cardiovascular Diseases in Ethiopia poster and research article.
Study Leaders
Dejuma Yadeta, Senbeta Guteta, Bekele Alemayehu, Dufera Mekonnen, Etsegenet Gedlu, Henock Benti, Hagazi Tesfaye, Samuel Berhane, Abraha Hailu, Abadi Luel, Tedros Hailu, Wandimu Daniel, Abraham Haileamlak, Esayas Kebede Gudina, Gari Negeri, Desalew Mekonnen, Kindie Woubeshet, Tariku Egeno, Kinfe Lemma, Vibhu R Kshettry, Endale Tefera
PASCAR and WHF Cardiovascular Diseases Scorecard project
On behalf of the World Heart Federation, the Pan-African Society of Cardiology (PASCAR) coordinated data collection and reporting for the country-level Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) Scorecard to be used in Africa. The objective of the scorecard is to create a clear picture of the current state of CVD prevention, control and management per country for 12 African countries. Our partner, Dr. Dejuma Yadeta at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia participated in this initiative and published Ethiopia’s country-specific data. Download the Cardiovascular Topics Ethiopia Country Report.
Study Leaders
Dejuma Yadeta, Wubaye Walelgne, Jean M Fourie, Wihan Scholtz, Oana Scarlatescu, George Nel, Mussie Gebremichael
Subjective wellbeing among rheumatic heart disease patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: observational cross-sectional study
Subjective wellbeing (SWB) is a self-reported positive life judgment and good feeling. RHD, rheumatic heart disease, is a long-term sequel of single or recurrent acute rheumatic fever. There are no studies that assessed SWB in RHD patients. We aimed to assess SWB among RHD subjects enrolled in chronic care at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Ethiopia. Download the article.
Study Leaders
Henok Tadele, Hayat Ahmed, Helen Mintesnot, Etsegenet Gedlu, Senbeta Guteta, Dejuma Yadeta
The RHD Registry
The registry now contains over 450 RHD patients from various regions of Ethiopia who are awaiting surgery.
Research Conducted in India
Goal: Determine whether high-volume centers in India can be suitable training locations for African physicians.
Can High-volume Centers in India Serve as Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Emergency Medicine Training Locations for African Physicians?
Cultivating global medical partnerships with private, public, and nongovernmental international organizations may provide a framework to successfully train medical professionals. Other major Indian hospitals and teaching institutions that are accredited by Joint Commission International, National Accreditation Board for Hospitals could be approached by global collaborators for additional training positions and support to address the current provider shortage in Africa. Download the article.
Study Leaders
Muralidhar Kanchi, Vibhu R Kshettry
