The One New Heart Tanzania has launched Colors to Save Hearts, a 12-month initiative aimed at reducing Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) among school-aged children through awareness, early detection, referral support and stronger collaboration between schools and health facilities.

The project is funded by the World Heart Federation through its Emerging Leaders Programme, which supports locally led initiatives that address cardiovascular disease and improve heart health outcomes.

Why Rheumatic Heart Disease Matters

Rheumatic Heart Disease is a preventable condition caused by damage to the heart valves following untreated streptococcal throat infections and rheumatic fever. Despite being preventable, it remains a cause of illness and disability among children and young adults in many low and middle income countries.

Many children with early-stage Rheumatic Heart Disease do not show obvious symptoms. As a result, the disease often goes undetected until significant heart damage has occurred.

School-based studies conducted in Tanzania have identified Rheumatic Heart Disease in approximately 21-34 per 1,000 primary school children. These findings demonstrate the need for increased awareness, early detection and timely referral for medical assessment and treatment.

About Colors to Save Hearts

Colors to Save Hearts was developed to address gaps in awareness and early identification of Rheumatic Heart Disease among children.

The project uses schools as an entry point for prevention, education and early detection while strengthening connections between the education and health sectors.

Over the next 12 months, the project will focus on:

• • Raising awareness of Rheumatic Heart Disease among children, parents, teachers and communities.
  • Training teachers to recognize signs and symptoms that may require referral to health facilities.
  • Training healthcare workers on the identification and management of suspected cases.
  • Conducting school-based screening activities.
  • Developing and distributing educational colouring books to support learning about heart health and Rheumatic Heart Disease.
  • Strengthening referral pathways between schools and health facilities.

The Importance of Early Treatment

A sore throat can damage a child’s heart if left untreated.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment of streptococcal throat infections can prevent rheumatic fever and reduce the risk of developing Rheumatic Heart Disease. Increasing awareness among children, parents, teachers and healthcare workers is therefore an important part of prevention.

About The One New Heart Tanzania

The One New Heart Tanzania is a non-governmental organization working to improve access to cardiovascular care through awareness, screening, referral support, treatment access and health system strengthening. The organization is a member of the World Heart Federation and an affiliate of Global Heart Hub.

#EarlyTreatmentSavesLives