Each year over 200 children under the age of 5 succumb to pneumonia and neonatal illnesses while least 60 children lose their lives to Rheumatic Heart Disease in Fiji.
This has been highlighted by Cure Kids Country Manager, Dr Jimaima Kailawadoko-Matainacake as the foundation raised $37,500 to support child health initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children.
Cure Kids Fiji says the fund was raised during their Big Drives for Little Lives Fiji Open held at the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club last Saturday.
They say the funds will directly support Cure Kids Fiji's child health initiatives, including the Rheumatic Heart Disease Programme and the Fiji Oxygen Programme - both crucial to improving the lives of children across the country.
Dr Jimaima says these funds will also allow their team to reach more communities through screening, training, awareness sessions, and outreach efforts for both programmes — especially in rural areas.
She says Fiji has one of the highest prevalence rates of Acute Rheumatic Fever and RHD globally.
The doctor says statistics show that approximately one child in every classroom may be affected.
Dr Jimaima also highlighted the urgent need to support respiratory care, with severe pneumonia, and neonatal illnesses among the leading causes of child mortality in under 5 years in Fiji.
She further says their event was a huge success as it brought people together to make a real difference in children's health.
She says they are incredibly grateful to all the sponsors, the teams that registered, the players that showed up, and their volunteers for their amazing support.
The Country Manager says they remain committed to reducing preventable diseases and improving access to healthcare for vulnerable children.
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