FAAYO representation at the 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery

Katusiime Christine, co-founder of FAAYO Community Heart Health Initiative, participated in the 8^th World Conference of Pediatric Cardiology and Pediatric Surgery held 27 August through 1 September in Washington, DC as a person living with RHD (PLWRHD). As invited faculty, she shared her story as a session panelist to provide insight into the lived experience of RHD and her journey to healthy life. She also shared the challenges that PLWRHD face in their communities after undergoing heart surgery.

Katusiime Christine at the 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in Washington, DC.

Christine also served as a panelist in a second session discussing the importance of partnerships and collaborations between health providers and patient/family organizations in the fight against cardiovascular diseases. The panelists held in-depth discussions on the importance of teamwork through collaborations in the prevention and treatment of RHD. She shared the role and great impact FAAYO has created in the rural communities of Uganda through its awareness campaign programs and by providing psychosocial support to PLWRHD and CHD. Christine’s participation was funded by Children’s National Medical Center and Global ARCH.

Founding members Susan Perkins (L) and Katusiime Christine (R) at the FAAYO display at the Global Village of the 8th World Congress of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery