Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is becoming a significant health challenge in Fiji, particularly affecting children. During a recent World Heart Day event at Hilton Special School, Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Luisa Cikamatana brought attention to this growing issue, revealing that almost one child per classroom is affected by RHD. Over 4,000 Fijians suffer from this condition, with more than 70% being under 30 years old.
In Fiji, RHD is the second most common cause of death for those aged five to 29. The disease imposes a heavy financial burden on the country’s health system, costing over $19 million annually due to hospitalizations and surgeries. Despite its prevalence, RHD is preventable. Dr. Cikamatana urged families, schools, and communities to recognize early symptoms, treat sore throats promptly, and raise awareness. She also pointed out the need to extend care to children with disabilities, emphasizing the equal importance of every child’s heart health.
In response to these challenging statistics, Dr. Cikamatana called for collective action among governments, NGOs, schools, and families to prevent RHD. A coordinated approach will focus on providing safe environments and ensuring healthcare access, alongside educating children on the importance of health maintenance.
This situation in Fiji is part of a broader regional concern, as other initiatives have noted similar trends. Erini Tokarua, manager of Heart Heroes Fiji, highlighted that RHD is endemic in the region and significantly impacts youth mortality. He stressed the importance of awareness campaigns and educational programs in addressing the issue.
Events like World Heart Day and other outreach programs highlight the urgent need for community involvement in tackling RHD. These initiatives hope to create a healthier future for Fijian children by focusing on prevention, early treatment, and building necessary support structures. A collaborative effort may significantly reduce RHD’s impact and improve the well-being of the younger generation.