On Saturday, July 27, 2024, Heart Heroes Fiji in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Medical Services, successfully hosted the second Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) support group for newly diagnosed and defaulting patients at the Novotel Hotel Conference Room in Nadi. This initiative, aimed at educating and supporting RHD patients in the Western Division, follows the success of the first event in Lautoka.
The Nadi program targeted RHD patients from Namaka Health Centre, Nagado Nursing Station, Nadi Health Centre, and Nadi Hospital’s Specialist Outpatient Department (SOPD). The event focused on patients who had recently been diagnosed or had defaulted on treatment, with the goal of providing them and their families with the knowledge and resources needed to manage the condition effectively.
The event was attended by 40 participants, including patients, their carers, and health professionals. Despite challenges in securing full attendance, the event provided valuable insights and support to those who were present. Among the attendees were three children aged 5-10, six children aged 11-17, and eight adults, all eager to learn more about managing their condition.
The support group sessions featured presentations from health stakeholders, including the Oral Health and Nutrition departments, emphasizing the connection between overall health and heart health. The oral health session highlighted the importance of maintaining oral hygiene to prevent strep germs from entering the bloodstream and affecting the heart. The nutrition session focused on educating patients about the types of food that are essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle with RHD.
A highlight of the event was the attendance of a patient from Nagado Nursing Station, located in the highlands of Nadi. The patient’s determination to attend underscored the importance of such programs in providing accessible information and support to those in remote areas.
Parents who attended expressed their appreciation for the event, noting how it helped them better understand how to care for their children living with RHD. The program also identified a significant knowledge gap among newly diagnosed patients, who often struggle to find information and support after their initial diagnosis.
The event included specialized learning activities for children, such as coloring sessions, to ensure they remained engaged and understood the importance of managing their health.
Looking ahead, HHF plans to explore new strategies to improve attendance and continue offering vital support to RHD patients across Fiji. The success of these support groups underscores their importance in the ongoing effort to combat RHD and improve the lives of those affected by the disease.
For more information on future events and initiatives, check out our social media pages or live a comment below.
