We are proud to announce that Cochrane Kenya, based at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), has played a vital role in the development of the newly released WHO guideline on the prevention and diagnosis of rheumatic fever (RF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
As a collaborating systematic review group, our team provided the rigorous evidence synthesis necessary to shape global recommendations that will save lives and reduce disability in Kenya and across the globe.
Our Contribution to the Evidence
The new WHO guideline provides a roadmap for healthcare systems to tackle RHD at every stage. Cochrane Kenya's technical contributions focused on the systematic review of evidence that underpins the three pillars of the guideline:
- Primary Prevention: Identifying and treating throat and skin infections early to stop Rheumatic Fever before it starts.
- Secondary Prevention: Improving the use of long-term antibiotic prophylaxis and implementing effective screening to prevent further heart damage in those already affected.
- Management: Evidence-based treatment of acute Rheumatic Fever using anti-inflammatory drugs.
