FOR KIDS LIVING WITH RHD
Forty-two children and adolescents living with Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) were treated to an epic day out, the annual “Christmas at Vomo” in the Mamanuca Islands last weekend. The event was hosted by Vomo Island and Captain Cook Cruises, supported by Fijiana Women’s Rugby and VOU Dance Company. During the event, Vomo Island Fiji presented a cheque of $17,710 to Cure Kids Fiji; a result of their 12-month fundraising efforts through guest contributions, room night donations, and the famous Mt Vomo Sunrise Challenge.
Cure Kids Fiji Events and Partnerships Manager Jennifer Miller said many young people living with RHD expressed feelings of isolation and pressure to keep their diagnosis secret for fear that they would be treated differently by their peers.
“Bringing children together gives them a sense of community, support and belonging and encouragement. We are so grateful to Vomo Island Fiji and Captain Cook Cruises Fiji who make this event possible every year.
“RHD is a serious heart condition that affects one in 50 children in Fiji. In Fiji, at least 60 deaths a year are attributed to RHD,” she said.
Fiji Water and its sister company, Neptune, donated $21,7000 to Cure Kids Fiji’s Oxygen Project under the Fiji Water Foundation’s Wonderful Giving programme.
The Fiji Oxygen Project is now active in six key sites around Fiji: Savusavu, Taveuni, Nausori, Nabouwalu, Lekutu and Wainunu, and we aim to roll out across an additional eight in the next two years.
This project has allowed significant improvements in patient treatment and care, to date delivering:
■ Oxygen concentrators installed throughout 6 health facilities around Fiji;
■ 130+ clinical and technical staff trained in detection and treatment; and
■ 4500+ patients nationwide treated with oxygen.