Researchers at the Uganda Heart Institute (UHI) have announced a groundbreaking achievement: they can now diagnose heart complications in children using a simple blood test. This innovative method was revealed during a research dissemination conference at Kabira Country Club in Kampala.
Leading the research, Prof. Emmy Okello, chief of cardiology at UHI and honorary associate professor at Makerere University, highlighted the global significance of their findings. “This is the first time this is happening, and we are excited to show the rest of the world that we in Uganda, who suffer from this disease, have generated a solution. Ugandans should be proud, but we need more support,” stated Dr. Okello.
The conference emphasized the importance of early intervention for sore throats in children to prevent rheumatic heart disease. Dr. John Omagino, Executive Director of UHI, stressed the critical role of early detection and diagnosis. He shared that their data indicates a direct link between sore throats and rheumatic heart disease, a condition that can start as a simple infection but lead to severe complications if left untreated.
“Rheumatic heart disease starts as a simple and preventable condition. If detected early enough, the disease can be prevented or even reversed,” he explained.
Experts at the institute are now advocating for the placement of nursing officials in primary schools to facilitate early detection of heart complications among children. Dr. Omagino proposed that every school be attached to a nurse who can check children’s throats and refer cases of sore throat to a health center.
He also called for increased awareness among teachers, health workers, and village health teams (VHTs), emphasizing the need to treat throat pain seriously.
Dr. John Baptism Wanyai, Commissioner of Emergency Health Services from the Ministry of Health, representing Minister of Health Ruth Aceng, endorsed the proposal. He mentioned that the suggestion of having a nurse at each primary school would be forwarded to the Ministry of Education to create a dedicated position for tracking and managing sore throats among children, thereby preventing potential heart complications.
Dr. Omagino also noted that despite winning a research grant, the lengthy process of bringing the money into the country slows their research, especially for multi-centered trials. This limitation affects their ability to compete internationally, as other countries can access funds and conduct research more quickly.
Over the past twelve years, UHI has been at the forefront of cardiovascular research, addressing the unique health challenges faced by Ugandans. The research presented spans from 2012 to 2024, covering clinical trials, epidemiological studies, innovative diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic interventions.
Globally, cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. In Africa, the burden is particularly severe, with hypertension causing over 500,000 deaths annually and resulting in 10 million lives lost over the last decade.
In Uganda, the situation is alarming: one in four adults has high blood pressure, and out of the 1.6 million babies born each year, 1% (16,000 babies) suffer from congenital heart disease, with half requiring intervention. Uganda also remains endemic for Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), affecting an estimated 300,000 schoolchildren.
The commitment of the Uganda Heart Institute to tackling these challenges is evident in their rigorous and community-relevant studies. As Dr. Omagino remarked, “The Heart Institute’s commitment to tackling such challenges has led to conducting studies that are not only scientifically rigorous but also deeply relevant to the community.”
In conclusion, the Uganda Heart Institute’s latest research marks a significant milestone in pediatric cardiology, promising better health outcomes for children in Uganda and potentially setting a precedent for global health practices.