The rising incidence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in children in Fiji signals an urgent health crisis that requires immediate attention. During World Heart Day celebrations at Hilton Special School, Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Luisa Cikamatana highlighted the severity of the situation, disclosing that nearly one child in every classroom is affected by RHD. With over 4,000 Fijians already diagnosed, 70% are under the age of 30, making RHD the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 5 to 29 in Fiji. This places a significant burden on the healthcare system, with costs exceeding $19 million annually for hospitalizations and surgeries.
Dr. Cikamatana stressed that RHD is preventable and called for a coordinated effort to fight the disease. Families, schools, and communities need to recognize early symptoms, promptly treat sore throats, and increase awareness. She emphasized the protection of children with disabilities, who are often overlooked in health programs, noting that every child’s heart health is vital.
The call to action extends to governments, NGOs, schools, and families, with Dr. Cikamatana advocating for shared responsibility in preventing RHD. Protecting children requires coordinated efforts, safe environments, and access to adequate healthcare services. Parents and educators are encouraged to teach children about heart health, reinforcing the critical role of prevention in disease management.
This initiative fits with ongoing awareness campaigns by groups like Heart Heroes Fiji, demonstrating a community-based approach to tackling RHD. Past efforts have emphasized the need for increased awareness and strict adherence to treatment regimes as crucial strategies for enhancing health outcomes. The challenge is exacerbated by healthcare limitations, illustrating the reliance on offshore surgeries due to inadequate local facilities for RHD treatment.
Addressing RHD in Fiji is further complicated by similar healthcare issues across the Pacific, where systemic factors and socioeconomic disparities lead to higher disease rates among children. Efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, engage communities, and take proactive measures offer hope for future generations. Such initiatives not only address the imminent health crisis but also strengthen long-term public health outcomes.
Through collaboration, awareness, and preventative healthcare practices, there is optimism for reversing this health crisis and ensuring a healthier future for children in Fiji and the Pacific region.