A recent Cure Kids report highlights that Pacific children are over 100 times more likely to be hospitalized due to acute rheumatic fever (ARF). The 2023 State of Child Health Report reveals that Pacific and Māori children are at significantly higher risk, being 115 and 46 times more likely, respectively, to face hospitalization for ARF compared to their peers in Aotearoa.
The report indicates that hospital admission rates for respiratory conditions are also notably higher among Pacific children, who are 2.5 times more likely to be hospitalized, with Māori children following at 1.8 times the rate. Middle Eastern, Latin American, or African (MELAA) children are also affected, though to a lesser degree.
Stuart Dalziel, chair of child health research at Cure Kids, speaking on Pacific Mornings, expressed concern over the health disparity, noting that while Māori children are less likely to suffer ARF hospitalizations compared to Pacific children, the rates remain “unacceptable.” Dalziel emphasized that systemic factors, including inadequate healthcare for Māori and Pacific children, play a significant role in the prevalence of rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
He called for a closer examination of the social determinants of health, such as nutrition, housing stability, and poverty alleviation. He noted that while there has been some progress in addressing rheumatic fever, the rates continue to be alarmingly high, remaining 60 times greater than they should be.
The study revealed that 61 percent of ARF or RHD hospitalizations in 2022 were among children living in areas of significant socioeconomic deprivation. Dalziel suggested an emphasis on prevention strategies, such as accessible throat pain programs in schools and pharmacies.
Cure Kids outlined five key focus areas for hospital admissions, including respiratory conditions, rheumatic fever and heart disease, skin infections, dental health, and mental health. Health Minister Dr. Shane Reti linked the report to the recently announced Pacific Healthy Homes initiative, which will allocate $4.02 million to retrofit 600 Pacific homes over the next year.
Reti acknowledged that substandard living conditions contribute to both respiratory problems and rheumatic fever. For prevention and comprehensive support concerning rheumatic fever, he mentioned initiatives offering free GP access for children under 14 years and a national coordination strategy. The Rheumatic Fever Roadmap 2023-2028 aims to tackle ARF and RHD over the next five years.
Reti was asked about his confidence in the government’s health response and acknowledged the challenges, noting that the government has not had ample time in office to make significant changes. He highlighted immunization goals, pointing out that the current rate of fully vaccinated two-year-olds is only 78 percent, falling short of the target.
He expressed hopes that in two years, the government can demonstrate improvements in vaccination rates and reduced incidents of RHD, indicating proper progress in their health initiatives.