An 8 year old RHD patient sits patiently while a nurse, attending RHD training, has the opportunity to listen to a heart murmur for the first time. 

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services recently celebrated the launch of the next phase of its rheumatic heart disease control and prevention program in Fiji. Formalising its relationship with Cure Kids New Zealand as partners and co-funders of the next phase of the program.

Ahead of the launch Mr Usamate said: "The new program through Cure Kids and the Wellness Unit at the Ministry of Health is based on international evidence of comprehensive programs with dedicated staffing and directed funding to take a comprehensive approach across all areas of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease prevention."

The newly funded initiative provides opportunities for integration of ARF/RHD activities particularly around patient care and management into existing Ministry of Health services and models of care, and development of new models of care with the aim of creating sustainable and effective ARF/RHD control in Fiji.   

The program has also taken big steps in engaging the RHD patient and carer community by hosting the first ever RHD fun day on October 3rd as well as including representatives of the community on the national RHD technical advisory committee and during the national workshop to identify strategies for improving the uptake and delivery of secondary prophylaxis.