World Health Assembly Resolution on Childhood-Onset Heart Disease
The Global Coalition for Pediatric and Congenital Hearts is leading a worldwide effort to secure a World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolution on Childhood-Onset Heart Disease, including congenital heart disease and rheumatic heart disease.
The proposed resolution seeks to elevate childhood-onset heart disease as a global health priority and support the development of national strategies that strengthen diagnosis, treatment and lifelong care.
We invite governments, professional societies, healthcare institutions, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), academic institutions, patients, families and advocates to join this historic effort.
About the Global Coalition for Pediatric and Congenital Hearts
The Global Coalition for Pediatric and Congenital Hearts is a network of more than 140 organizations, clinicians, patients, families, researchers and advocates representing over 40 countries. United by a shared commitment to advancing equitable access to lifelong care for childhood-onset heart disease, coalition members work collaboratively to influence global health policy, strengthen health systems and improve outcomes for people living with pediatric and congenital heart conditions worldwide.
Together, we are working to improve survival and quality of life for people living with childhood-onset heart disease by:
- Advancing global health policy
- Strengthening health systems
- Expanding equitable access to care
- Reducing disparities in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
- Supporting sustainable pediatric and congenital heart programs worldwide
The coalition leads international advocacy efforts to secure a
2027 World Health Assembly Resolution on Childhood-Onset Heart Disease.
Coalition Members
Childhood-Onset Heart Disease: The Global Challenge
Every child deserves access to lifesaving heart care, yet millions of children and young adults living with COHD continue to face preventable barriers to diagnosis, treatment and long-term care.
COHD includes congenital heart disease (CHD), present at birth, and acquired conditions such as rheumatic heart disease (RHD) that develop during childhood.
babies born with CHD
people living with RHD
lack access to cardiac care in many LMICs
global strategies focused on COHD
Global Facts About Childhood-Onset Heart Disease
- 1 in 100 babies is born with CHD, making it the most common birth defect worldwide.
- ~1.35 million children are born with CHD each year.
- 1 in 4 children with CHD requires lifesaving intervention during the first year of life.
- Up to 90% of children born with CHD in some low- and middle-income countries do not have access to the cardiac care they need.
- Most global deaths from CHD occur in low- and middle-income countries, despite major advances in treatment and survival.
- RHD is the most common acquired heart disease in children and young adults worldwide and remains largely preventable.
- ~55 million people are living with RHD globally, and ~360,000 die from the disease each year.
- Many children and families face significant financial hardship due to the cost and limited availability of specialized heart care.
- There is currently no dedicated global health strategy focused on childhood-onset heart disease across the continuum of care.
A World Health Assembly Resolution on Childhood-Onset Heart Disease would
help close these gaps by encouraging countries to strengthen prevention, diagnosis, treatment,
workforce capacity, financing and lifelong care for people living with congenital and rheumatic heart disease.
Why a WHA Resolution on Childhood-Onset Heart Disease Matters
Childhood-onset heart disease (COHD) is a leading cause of death, disability and lifelong illness among children and young adults worldwide.
Yet despite its significant global burden, COHD remains largely absent from international health policy frameworks and national noncommunicable disease strategies.
A World Health Assembly Resolution (WHA Resolution) would encourage countries to:
- Develop national plans for childhood-onset heart disease care
- Strengthen pediatric cardiac workforce capacity
- Improve access to diagnosis and treatment
- Expand infrastructure and health system readiness
- Increase sustainable financing for care
- Improve monitoring and data collection
By elevating COHD on the global health agenda, the resolution can help ensure that all children—regardless of where they are born—have access to lifesaving heart care.
Building Global Political Momentum
The campaign has already generated support from governments, professional societies, healthcare leaders, patient organizations and international partners.
Government Leadership
The Republic of Namibia is serving as the lead proponent country, with Tanzania, Vietnam and Brazil acting as early champions. With additional discussions underway with governments across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.
Read the Namibian Investment in Childhood-Onset Heart Disease Case Study.
Organizational Support
Support has been expressed by leading organizations, including:
- American Heart Association
- American College of Cardiology
- American Academy of Pediatrics
- World Society for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Surgery
- Pediatric Cardiac Society of South Africa
- One Heart Health
- Pediatric Cardiac Society of India
Key Resources
Take Action Today
Governments and Ministries of Health
You play a critical role in prioritizing COHD on the global health agenda. Help advance the WHA Resolution.
- Learn about the proposed resolution
- Engage with coalition representatives
- Explore opportunities to serve as a supporting Member State
Professional Societies, NGOs, Hospitals and Academic Institutions
Join the growing coalition of organizations working to improve outcomes for people living with childhood-onset heart disease.
- Join the Coalition
- Endorse the constituency support letter
- Participate in coalition meetings
- Share campaign resources with your network
- Advocate with your government
Be a Part of the Global Movement:
Add Your Voice
Stand with children and families affected by heart disease by helping build momentum for greater global action on childhood-onset heart disease.
- Demonstrate public support for the WHA Resolution
- Receive campaign updates
- Learn advocacy opportunities
- Join a growing global movement for equitable heart care