The Ministry of Health and Medical Services in Fiji in conjunction with Cure Kids Fiji recently launched the Rheumatic Fever Awareness Campaign featuring Hibiscus Queen 2017 Contestant Ms Buli Wainiqolo. Ms Wainiqolo has been a vocal advocate for rheumatic heart disease prevention and control efforts and has used her her own experience as someone living with rheumatic heart disease to raise awareness about its prevention and control.

Her treatment is going on to its seventh year since being diagnosed when she was 11 years old. Ms Wainiqolo has appealed to others with rheumatic heart disease to continue to take their medication, even if they felt well. “I’ve been taking monthly injections and this is where my message comes in. As a young person with rheumatic heart disease, the Hibiscus festival is a platform to create awareness and if it’s about saving children’s lives then I’m willing to take part,” she said.

You can find out more about the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services Rheumatic Fever Awareness Campaign on their website and Facebook page.

For further information:
Rheumatic Heart Disease Closer To Home For Wainiqolo | Fiji Sun Online
Buli Advocates From Her Heart | Fiji Sun Online