In a significant health initiative, over 8,000 children were screened for heart disease last year, revealing 107 diagnoses of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Dr. Krupali Tappoo, Director of the Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital, emphasized the importance of these outreach programs in countries with limited healthcare access, as heart disease prevalence tends to be higher in such regions.
Dr. Tappoo pointed out that the increasing incidence of heart disease among children is largely attributed to poor lifestyle choices that can compromise their immune systems, leaving them vulnerable to infections. She stated, “It’s an important condition. We’re helping children with congenital heart disease through surgeries, but some cases, particularly severe rheumatic heart disease with valve issues, require specialized valve repairs.”
Acknowledging the urgent need for improved healthcare facilities, Professor Dr. Laszlo Kiraly highlighted the necessity of establishing a state-of-the-art heart disease center in Fiji. Such a center could alleviate the growing burden of heart disease, enhancing public health outcomes and saving lives in the process.
This year, preliminary initiatives indicate an increase in both awareness and proactive healthcare. Recent outreach efforts have been productive, as evidenced by partnerships like those with the Sai Prema Foundation and a series of successful heart surgeries conducted for children diagnosed with congenital issues. Dr. Tappoo encouraged families to utilize available screening services, asserting, “We’re seeing that there’s more awareness and we’re doing a lot of screening.”
The hospital’s ongoing commitment to heart health, particularly in remote areas, is crucial in building a healthier future for children across Fiji and surrounding Pacific regions. As healthcare providers continue to focus on early detection through community outreach, the hope for improved cardiac health and a reduction in preventable conditions like RHD remains strong.
This initiative serves as a vital reminder of the importance of accessible healthcare and the role of community efforts in fostering robust health outcomes for future generations.
Leave a comment