One child in every classroom in Fiji is affected by rheumatic heart disease (RHD), as highlighted by Dr. Luisa Cikamatana, a chief medical officer. During a World Heart Day event at the Hilton Special School in Suva, Dr. Cikamatana reported that over 4,000 individuals are currently registered with RHD in Fiji, with a staggering 70% being under 30 years old. This condition, mainly developing from untreated rheumatic fever, remains the second leading cause of death for those aged 5 to 29 in the country.
Dr. Cikamatana stressed the significant financial burden RHD places on Fiji’s healthcare system, noting an annual cost exceeding $19 million, primarily due to hospitalizations and surgeries. Despite this grim reality, she emphasized that RHD is preventable with proper awareness, early detection, and timely treatment, advocating that no child should suffer from this preventable condition.
Offering a call to action, she underlined the importance of focusing on children with disabilities, often excluded from health discussions, and urged communities to ensure these children receive necessary care. “Awareness begins in our homes and schools,” Dr. Cikamatana noted, expressing the hope that community-driven prevention efforts would become a shared responsibility among government bodies, NGOs, schools, families, and communities.
Erini Tokarua, manager of Heart Heroes Fiji, reinforced this urgency, noting in prior discussions that Pacific children are disproportionately affected by RHD, with one child per classroom statistically affected. Advocacy for increased awareness and better access to treatment remains crucial, as current healthcare infrastructure often falls short of meeting this demand.
Given Fiji’s high rate of RHD, ongoing efforts to combat this disease through community engagement and education are vital. With improved resources and coordinated initiatives, Fiji can significantly reduce the incidence of RHD, protecting future generations from this preventable affliction. By uniting in these efforts, there is hope for a healthier, heart-disease-free future for Fijian youth.