We are establishing the foundations of an effective, sustainable and equitable response to RHD in the Pacific.
Our vision for the Hub
An enduring Pacific-led collaboration centre for the RHD control agenda which combines Pacific culture, local knowledge, and technical support; and which enshrines the sovereignty of Pacific Peoples to contribute to addressing the inequitable burden of RHD across the Pacific.
Impact of RHD in the Pacific
1 - 3%
of people in the Pacific are estimated to have RHD & its precursor, acute rheumatic fever (ARF)
This is a similar magnitude to marginalised Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander communities and sub-Saharan Africa.
1 in 3
overseas medical transfers from Vanuatu and Solomon Islands are for RHD surgeries
Advanced heart disease requiring open heart surgery is common due to limited diagnostic capacity and access to RHD treatment.
100%
of RHD cases are preventable
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But the inequitable disease burden in the Pacific is leading to too many premature deaths of people in young adulthood, causing profound loss and trauma for families and communities.
