Rheumatic Fever & Rheumatic Heart Disease Awareness Week

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disorder that affects the body's connective tissue, resulting in temporary painful arthritis and other symptoms. Rheumatic Heart Disease occurs when Rheumatic Fever causes long-term damage to the heart and its valves. The week is dedicated to drawing attention to and raising awareness in South Africa about this entirely preventable disease that causes unnecessary death and suffering among our country's poorest communities