March 3, 2025

Advocating for Every Child by Advancing Birth Defects Care on a Global Scale

Every child deserves a healthy heart. But for millions of children born with congenital heart disease (CHD), lifesaving treatment remains out of reach. Children’s HeartLink is advocating for change, working alongside global partners to strengthen policies that expand access to care for children with CHD and other birth defects.

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The Global Action for Congenital Conditions (GACC), we are joined by Operation Smile, MiracleFeet, Jhpiego, G4 Alliance and Global Alliance for Rheumatic and Congenital Hearts (Global ARCH). This new coalition will work alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) to transform how health systems and communities provide treatment and lifelong care for individuals affected by congenital conditions.

This new coalition is dedicated to transforming how health systems and communities provide treatment and lifelong care for individuals affected by congenital conditions.

We envision a world where every person with a congenital condition not only survives but thrives. Through collaboration, we will make a lasting impact in three key areas:

  • Collective Advocacy: raise awareness and shape policies
  • Implementation & Knowledge Sharing: strengthen care through partnership
  • Mobilizing Support & Funding: expand resources for sustainable impact
“At Children’s HeartLink, we know our impact is greater when we align with like-minded organizations. Through the Global Action for Congenital Conditions, we are leading a long-overdue unified voice for those affected. Right now, the lack of a coordinated effort means congenital birth defects like congenital heart disease, cleft palate and clubfoot are overlooked, underfunded and not prioritized. By aligning our voices and efforts, we can break through the silence, drive real policy change and secure the resources needed to support millions of children and families worldwide.”
–Bistra Zheleva, vice president of global strategy and advocacy at Children’s HeartLink and one of the founders of this coalition

If your organization is committed to advancing care for congenital conditions, join us in this mission!

Learn more about global advocacy at Children’s HeartLink.

We save children’s lives by transforming pediatric heart care in underserved parts of the world.

Learn more and get involved:

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About Children’s HeartLink

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About CHD

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