CPAG welcomes increased funding to reduce rheumatic fever

8 May 2013

CPAG welcomes increased funding to reduce rheumatic fever rates

Child Poverty Action Group has welcomed the increase in funding to deal with rheumatic fever.

Rheumatic fever mostly affects Maori and Pacific children living in poor quality housing, and rates are climbing in these two populations.

"The more we do to combat this disease the better," said CPAG spokesperson Professor Innes Asher. "More funding is very welcome, especially the funding targeted to help families find healthy homes. Overcrowding in particular is associated with high rates of rheumatic fever."

"While additional funding to help find a vaccine will also be useful, any vaccine is some way off and more immediate solutions must be a priority," said Professor Asher. "Improving access to good housing is critical and it is good to see the government taking steps in that direction. CPAG would like to see this commitment to making quality, affordable housing available to low income families strengthened even further."

CPAG says improving access to primary healthcare for young children is also important.

"We need to ensure all children under 6 years are able to access free medical care at any time, and move towards free access for all children up to age 18. Rheumatic fever is a disease of mid-childhood, and the cost of medical care can be a significant issue for many low-income families."

In February, the government's Chief Science Advisor, Dr Peter Gluckman, said[1] that even if a vaccine could be developed, a broader public health strategy to address rheumatic fever would still be required.

"While school sore throat swabbing programmes play their part, it is good to see a wider approach being taken. New Zealand's high rates of rheumatic fever and increasing rates in Maori and Pasifika children mean we have much more to do," said Professor Asher.

ENDS

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