The Ministry of Health is boosting its fight against rheumatic heart disease with the launch of a new control and prevention programme on Monday.

The project, launched at the Novotel Convention Centre, provides four years of funding to strengthen Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) initiatives.

The programme aims to reduce the impact of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Fiji.

Minister for Health Jone Usamate said the ministry had recently formalised its relationship with Cure Kids New Zealand as partners and co-funders of the next phase of the $5m RHD Control and Prevention Programme for Fiji.

“The New Zealand Partnerships for International Development Fund is a major contributor to the programme along with the technical support provided by the international RHD experts from the centre for International Child Health at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute Australia and the Auckland District Health Board, New Zealand,” he said.

Rheumatic heart disease is a common heart condition in Fiji. It follows streptococcal throat infections and rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an illness commonly seen in children and young adults in Fiji that can lead to heart valve damage.  RHD causes significant morbidity, disability and mortality through childhood and into early adulthood.

Mr Usamate said the Cure Kids Fiji has supported RHD activities through funding support from foundation key partner Accor Hotels and support from Fiji Water Foundation since 2008.

“It builds on the initial work of the Fiji RHD control programme, established in 2005, providing a unique and new opportunity to fully integrate and establish RHD prevention and control activities at the highest level nationally,” he said.

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