Pacific Adaptation of Tools for Implementing Rheumatic Heart Disease Control Programmes (TIPs) ^†

1. Background

In 2013, the framework ‘Tools for Implementing Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) Control Programmes’ (TIPs) was published. This conceptual framework has been widely used for developing and implementing RHD control programs worldwide. A decade on, we feel an updated resource would be strengthened by regional adaptation. The Pacific bears a disproportionate RHD prevalence relative to its population size (1–3%), typically affecting young women and socio-economically marginalized groups, making it an important region to focus on.

2. Approach

The Pacific RHD Program is working to create an updated and adapted version, the ‘Pacific TIPs’, which can be used as a shared resource for the region. It will be used as a foundation for shared decision making and as a heat map to contextualize priority areas and monitor progress. Within the framework, components are arranged in approximate order of priority, working from left to right and bottom to top in each row. This emphasizes the need to tackle core components (i.e., antibiotic supply) before implementing more complex interventions (i.e., echocardiographic screening and cardiac surgery).

3. Significance

We will use this approach to structure conversations about country priorities and non-communicable disease policies where available. We have invited people connected to RHD in the Pacific region to join a working group to further refine this framework. Seeking input from people living with RHD, their carers, organizations who support those with lived experience of RHD, and RHD clinical support teams will hopefully develop a community-led, culturally appropriate understanding of the tools to develop and implement RHD control programs.