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The Philippine Heart Association (PHA), in partnership with Reach and the Provincial Government of Iloilo, recently organised an educational event for newly diagnosed rheumatic heart disease (RHD) patients and their caregivers to learn more about the disease and its long-term management.  

These patients were identified in early 2025 through a school-based screening programme led by the PHA and funded by the Philips Foundation. Many of the children diagnosed are living with early-stage RHD and require clinic-administered benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injections every 3-4 weeks to prevent further complications. For most families attending the May event, this was their first opportunity to learn in depth about RHD and its management, and to connect with other similarly affected families.    

Adhering to monthly BPG injections over many years can be challenging. Travel to health clinics can be time consuming and costly – even when injections are subsidised or free. If a patient is feeling physically well, or they are feeling anxious about an upcoming injection, they may be tempted to skip or discontinue treatment altogether. Recognising this, the PHA and its partners emphasise the role of one-on-one counselling and peer support as powerful strategies to educate and support patients and caregivers to stay committed to treatment.

At a nearby outpatient department (OPD) clinic in Iloilo Province, RF/RHD Nurse Amy administers BPG injections to approximately 40 patients per day. She also maintains a patient WhatsApp chat group to enable easy two-way communication with patients and their caregivers. Through this platform, Nurse Amy can send injection reminders and patients can message to schedule convenient appointment times, helping to reduce wait times and improve adherence.