The rheumatic heart disease healthcare paradox: disease persistence in slums despite universal healthcare coverage—a provider perspective qualitative study

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a preventable disease frequently recognized in urban slums. Disease rates in Brazilian slums are incommensurate with the country's economic status and the existence of its universal healthcare system. Our study aimed to investigate what system issues may allow for disease persistence, focusing on issues surrounding access and utilization of primary and specialized healthcare services.This was a two-part...