Solomon Islands marks World Heart Day, highlighting rheumatic heart disease prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and its Health Partners today commemorated the World Heart Day with the theme “Don’t Miss a Beat!”.
The World Heart Day falls on September 29th that reminds everyone, heart health is everyone’s responsibility. It’s an opportunity to focus on one of the important health challenges affecting children, young people and families worldwide and including Solomon Islands of the rheumatic heart disease or RHD.
In his keynote address at the event, Dr. Nemia Bainivalu, Deputy Secretary Health Improvement said rheumatic heart disease is serious, but importantly, it is preventable.
“It can begin with what may appear to be a simple sore throat, skin sores, high fever, swollen or painful joints. When certain bacterial throat infections are not recognised and treated appropriately, they can lead to acute rheumatic fever. Repeated episodes can permanently damage the heart valves and eventually result in rheumatic heart disease. For a child or young person, the consequences can be significant”, said Dr Bainivalu.
He added, RHD can lead to regular medical appointments, long-term treatment and limitations on daily life. In severe cases, it can lead to heart failure, the need for heart surgery overseas and premature death.
However, he stated, there is an important message of hope, that the rheumatic heart disease can be prevented.
“Prevention starts with awareness, early recognition, appropriate treatment and continued follow-up. Parents and caregivers need to recognise when their children are unwell and seek care. Schools and teachers can help young people understand the importance of heart health. Churches and community leaders can help share health messages with families. Health workers play a critical role in early recognition, treatment, referral and ongoing care. And government and health authorities must continue strengthening the systems and services that are needed to prevent and manage RHD”, said Dr Bainivalu.
He acknowledged the valuable partnership and support of the Australian Government through DFAT, Vaka Mauri Collective, Live & Learn Solomon Islands, health workers, technical partners and donors, schools, churches, communities, and all stakeholders who continue to support the Solomon Islands Rheumatic Heart Disease Programme.
“Your commitment demonstrates that preventing rheumatic heart disease is not the responsibility of one organization alone, but a shared national effort”, said Dr. Bainivalu.
At the celebrations, people living with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) also shared their personal stories, highlighting what symptoms they felt and what changes occurred when they had RDH, how early diagnosis and timely treatment helped improve and save their lives. Giving the opportunity for the public to hear the lived experience of people living with RHD and advocate for the public to seek help from health clinics and health staff early when experiencing the signs and symptoms of RHD.
During the World Heart Day celebrations the Australian Government through DFAT and its partnership with the Vaka Mauri Collective which is the Pacific RHD Program handed over a new ultrasound machine for echocardiography machines to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. The machine will help strengthen the country’s ability to screen school children, detect and manage rheumatic heart disease.
SOURCE// MHMS PRESS RELEASE
