A recent report by Cure Kids reveals that Pacific children face over 100 times the risk of hospitalization due to acute rheumatic fever (ARF). According to the 2023 State of Child Health Report, Pacific and Māori children are 115 and 46 times more likely to be hospitalized for ARF compared to other children in Aotearoa.
Additionally, the report highlights that Pacific children are 2.5 times more likely to be hospitalized for respiratory conditions, while Māori children are 1.8 times more likely, with Middle Eastern, Latin American, and African (MELAA) children following behind. Stuart Dalziel, chair of child health research at Cure Kids, expressed his concerns about this issue on Pacific Mornings, stating that while Māori children are less than half as likely to experience ARF hospitalizations compared to Pacific children, the situation remains “unacceptable.”
Dalziel pointed out that the healthcare system is not adequately serving Māori and Pacific children, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes of health disparities, including proper nutrition, housing, and alleviating poverty. He noted that although there has been some progress in dealing with rheumatic fever, significant improvements are still needed.
The study found that in 2022, 61 percent of hospitalizations related to ARF or rheumatic heart disease (RHD) occurred among children living in severely deprived areas. Dalziel highlighted the persistent issue of high rheumatic fever rates, which remain 60 times higher than they should be, despite a slight decrease since 2012.
He advocated for more proactive prevention efforts, such as accessible programs in schools and pharmacies that address throat pain, a common symptom of rheumatic fever. Cure Kids identified five key areas for targeted healthcare improvement, including respiratory conditions, ARF and heart disease, skin infections, dental issues, and mental health.
In response to the report, Health Minister Dr. Shane Reti announced the Pacific Healthy Homes initiative, backed by $4.02 million over the upcoming year, aimed at retrofitting 600 Pacific homes. Reti acknowledged the link between poor housing—specifically damp and moldy conditions—and increased respiratory issues and rheumatic fever.
To enhance prevention and support for rheumatic fever, Reti mentioned several initiatives, including free GP access for children under 14 and a national coordination strategy. The Rheumatic Fever Roadmap 2023-2028, introduced by former Associate Health Minister Barbara Edmonds last year, aims to address ARF and RHD over five years.
Reti noted the ongoing efforts to centralize various local health strategies into a cohesive national approach while expressing cautious optimism regarding the government’s ability to meet health targets, such as increasing immunization rates among two-year-olds. He stated that current rates are at 78 percent, falling short of the target of 95 percent, and emphasized the need for accountability in the government’s health performance in the coming years.