The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation was able to raise $10,000 and this was handed to the Ministry of Health for their Fiji Rheumatic Heart Disease Program.
RHD Program Leader Dr. Sainimere Boladuadua says the support from the Federation is the first form of monetary support to be received by them in their work to develop their Program.
Boladuadua says this is a milestone achievement for them.
At least 60 deaths a year are attributed to Rheumatic Heart Disease in Fiji.
Rheumatic Heart Disease is a serious heart condition that occurs following an attack of Acute Rheumatic Fever which can occur after a strong immune response to a throat infection caused by a strep throat infection.
If appropriate antibiotic treatment is not administered, inflammation of the heart can cause scarring of the heart valves resulting in significant morbidity and possible death.
In Fiji it is common for children to present to clinical services late – already with symptomatic Rheumatic Heart Disease – which means they are often too late for adequate treatment.
The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation was able to raise $5,000 for the Medical Services Pacific (MSP) Program.
MSP Director Ashna Shaleen says the support towards MSP will enable them to further their services on their work to provide sexual reproductive health and child protection services specifically to women, youth and children in society.
This is part of the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation annual support to local charities.
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