THE PACIFIC RHD PROGRAM
Our story
Currently headquartered at The Kids Research Institute Australia, we are working with our partners to unify two decades of work on rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in the Pacific region. With the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia (DFAT), the initiative introduces a new mechanism to grow and expand Pacific health leadership.
This Fiji-based Pacific RHD "Knowledge Hub" is a centre of easily accessible resources and research that will continue to evolve with our work. It signifies a new era of coordinated, sustainable and impactful activity, addressing urgent unmet health needs in our region.
Our team
Australia
Program Director
Dr. Joseph Kado
Currently based in Perth, Dr. Kado is an i-Taukei Fijian paediatrician/cardiology-lead, Strep A & RHD researcher who recently completed a PhD exploring
novel uses of long-acting penicillins to improve secondary prophylaxis of RHD. He is a pre-eminent Pacific paediatrician, and past President of Pacific Paediatric Association and collaborated in Pacific RHD control. Pre-PhD he led the Fiji MHMS RHD Prevention and Control Program and has continued as a technical advisor for Cure Kids-MFAT support for the Fiji Program.
Project Coordinator
Jessica Daw
Ms. Jessica Daw began working at The Kids Research Institute Australia in 2018. She completed her Honours in Biomedical Science in 2019, where she
investigated the disease-causing mechanisms of Strep A. She has since completed systematic reviews on the burden of Strep A diseases, Strep A transmission mechanisms, and environmental health initiatives to prevent Strep A transmission. As the Project Coordinator, she supports the logistical, financial and operational aspects of the Program.
Program Manager
Christine Everest
Based in Perth, Ms. Christine Everest has over 25 years in corporate administration management in various industries, with strengths in finance, legal & corporate
compliance. She oversees a portfolio of projects as part of the Strep A Translation team at The Kids Research Institute Australia.
Technical Advisor
A/Prof. Rosemary Wyber
Based in Canberra, A/Prof. Rosemary Wyber is a pakeha/balanda/non-Indigenous general practitioner and researcher focusing on Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander cardiovascular health. A/Prof. Wyber completed her medical training in Aotearoa, her Master of Public Health at the Harvard School of Public Health and general practice training in Aboriginal Community Controlled Clinics in the Northern Territory of Australia. A/Prof. Wyber’s research has focused on rheumatic heart disease, in Australia and internationally. She was the lead author of the RHD Endgame Strategy to eliminate RHD in Australia by 2031 and her PhD thesis addresses policy options to address RHD. She is a Chief Investigator on the NHMRC STARFISH Synergy grant. A/Prof. Wyber is a Senior Adjunct Research Fellow at The University of Western Australia. A/Prof. Wyber is also a Research Fellow at Australian National University on chronic disease risk assessment and management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research.
Program Assistant
Danielle Dias
Ms. Danielle Dias has a Bachelor of Biomedical Science from the University of Western Australia. Danielle completed her McCusker Centre for Citizenship
internship at The Kids Research Institute Australia in Perth in 2024. She has since joined the team as a Program Assistant to support research and administrative outputs. Danielle is helping to contribute to a clearer understanding of current RHD control activities across the Pacific and adverse drug reactions (ADR) to benzathine penicillin G (BPG).
Research Volunteer
Dr. Sahil Kharwadkar
Dr. Sahil Kharwadkar is a junior doctor at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, NSW. He graduated from medical school at the University of Adelaide and received an
honours degree within the School of Public Health, for which he was awarded the University Medal. Sahil completed his final year elective in Vanuatu, and his research has focused on infectious diseases in the Pacific Islands, including mosquito-borne viruses, tuberculosis and leptospirosis. Sahil recently completed a Graduate Diploma of Child Health with Western Sydney University and holds a Conjoint Associate Lecturer role at the UNSW Rural Clinical Campus in Wagga Wagga. He has recently joined the Pacific RHD team as a volunteer researcher hoping to use his clinical and research experience to contribute to RHD control in the region.
Fiji
Pacific Manager
Mere Vukialau-Hazelman
Mrs Mere Vukialau-Hazelman brings extensive experience in international development program management, having served most recently as National
Project and Gender Specialist at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. In this capacity, she managed multi-year, multi-stakeholder programs addressing food insecurity overseeing the planning, resourcing, and implementation of complex, interconnected initiatives including climate-smart agriculture systems, farm-to-fork programs, and agri-trade business development. Her work was conducted within a UN bilateral donor framework and required rigorous compliance with funding body policies, financial management discipline, and effective coordination across Pacific government and community stakeholders. Prior to her role at FAO, she served as Acting Director of the Forest Research Division under the Ministry of Forestry, where she led multi-disciplinary teams and managed operational and research workplans across a complex government portfolio. This role required senior-level stakeholder engagement with government agencies, research institutions, and international collaborators, as well as the development and oversight of governance frameworks, compliance processes, and risk management mechanisms. Her extensive experience working with Pacific communities, indigenous knowledge systems, and peoples of diverse cultural backgrounds reflects a sustained commitment to culturally responsive, inclusive practice and to the advancement of Pacific-led development outcomes. Ms. Vukialau-Hazelman holds a Master of Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Lisbon.
Program Support Officer
Laisani Tamani
Based in Suva, Fiji, Ms. Laisani Tamani is a Public Health graduate currently serving as our Program Support Officer. With hands-on experience as a Field
Research Assistant, Laisani brings strong skills in data collection, community engagement, and project coordination. She is passionate about improving health outcomes across the Pacific region and is committed to supporting evidence-based interventions and strengthening health systems to reduce the burden of RHD.
Community Engagement Advisor
Erini Kala
Mrs. Erini Kala is a passionate advocate for people living with rheumatic heart disease (PLW RHD) in Fiji. Her journey began when her eldest son, Walter, was
diagnosed with RHD ten years ago, inspiring her to dedicate her life to supporting others facing similar challenges. As the Manager of Heart Heroes Fiji, Erini leads initiatives that empower PLW RHD through education, resources, and community support. She was the first volunteer for the Fiji RHD Prevention and Control Programme, where she conducts support group sessions and raises awareness about RHD in local communities. With her lived experience and unwavering commitment, Erini is making a significant impact in the fight against RHD, championing health equity and support for affected families.
Research Volunteer
Dr. Manish Kumar
Dr. Manish Kumar is originally from Labasa, Fiji, and is currently a Medical Officer at Navua Subdivisional Hospital. He received his MBBS in 2022
from Fiji National University and then completed his Medical Internship Research at Colonial-War Memorial Hospital in 2024. Dr Manish’s role in the Program is evaluating the supply, access, and experience of benzathine penicillin G (BPG) in the Pacific region.
Solomon Islands
Director of Solomon Islands RHD Control Program
Harold Maesulia
Harold Maesulia is a public health leader committed to improving health outcomes for the people of the Solomon Islands. He began his professional journey with
a Bachelor of Public Health from Fiji National University, later earning a Master of Public Health from St. Luke’s International University in Tokyo, Japan. With over six years of experience at the Solomon Islands National University, Harold coordinated community health needs assessments in partnership with local communities across Guadalcanal. This work deepened his understanding of the Solomon Islands’ health systems and strengthened his connection with the people he serves. As Director of the Solomon Islands RHD Control Program, Harold is leading a pilot initiative focused on tackling the long-standing national challenge of RHD beginning in Honiara and Guadalcanal. The Program aims to enhance early case detection, improve patient care, and modernize RHD surveillance systems, with the objective of sequentially rolling out the Program to other provinces.
Community Liaison Officer
Javelyn Umalifia
Javelyn Umalifia has a strong background in healthcare and community development. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from AMA
School of Medicine (AMASOM) in 2018, and a Bachelor of Health Service Management from Fiji National University in 2022. Javelyn has been making significant contributions to her community, most recently serving as the National Sustainable Sanitation Plan (NSSP) Supervisor at Live & Learn Organization from 2023 to 2024. Her role on the Program facilitates ongoing community engagement and participation, promotes awareness and understanding of RHD, and engages and empowers people living with RHD to advocate for themselves.
Vanuatu
RHD Coordinator
Melissa Binihi
Mrs. Melissa Binihi is a public health professional with over nine years of experience in health communication, behavioural change strategies, and
program coordination. She currently serves as Coordinator for the Vanuatu Pacific RHD Program, where she oversees planning, implementation, and monitoring of initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of rheumatic heart disease in Vanuatu. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Public Health from the Fiji National University and is a graduate of the USP Women in Leadership Program. Her career includes roles with the Ministry of Health and UNFPA, where she contributed to national public health interventions, risk communication, and program analysis. She brings expertise in project implementation and management, stakeholder collaboration, and health communication, with a strong commitment to advancing public health outcomes and strengthening systems to address both communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Community Liaison Officer
Edwin Yamaimai
Mr. Edwin Yamaimai is a public health and education personnel from Vanuatu with a background in community health, public administration, and human
resource management. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of the South Pacific, and a Postgraduate Diploma of Community Health. Edwin also has professional diplomas in human resource management and business administration. His background spans health service delivery, monitoring and evaluation, community engagement, and education, supporting his commitment to strengthening prevention, workforce capacity, and community-led responses to rheumatic heart disease in Vanuatu.
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