The Invisible Child

Ten years after The Invisible Child first highlighted global inequities in childhood-onset heart disease care, progress remains limited, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Congenital heart disease (CHD), the most common birth defect, affects around 1.35 million newborns each year, yet most children lack access to timely diagnosis, treatment and lifelong care. A growing global coalition is advocating for a 2027 World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolution to elevate childhood-onset heart disease as a global health priority.

The policy brief argues that a WHA Resolution would drive national action, investment and accountability by strengthening cardiac care capacity, expanding the specialized workforce, closing critical data gaps and increasing financing for services. Integrating childhood-onset heart disease care into universal health coverage and health system strengthening efforts would help reduce preventable child deaths, advance the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure equitable access to quality lifelong care for millions of children and families worldwide.