Machine added to the fight against heart problems

The fight against Rheumatic Heart Disease in Samoa took a giant step forward yesterday with the arrival of a Rheumatic Heart Disease Mobile Clinic Vehicle.

Equipped with sophisticated technology to ensure fast, effective and cost efficient screening for children in schools across the country, the man leading Samoa’s fight against heart problems is extremely grateful.

“To those who have worked tirelessly in ensuring that the people of Samoa have access to better and improved services for Rheumatic Heart Disease, we say thank you very much,” said Cardiologist and Professor Dr Satupa’itea Viali.

Funded by Australia, New Zealand and the World Bank at the cost of US$150,000 (T$350,000), the key of the vehicle was handed by the Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr Leao Tuitama to the National Health Services during a ceremony yesterday.

“This vehicle has been built specifically to conduct Rheumatic Heart Disease screening,” said Tuitama.

“Already, efforts such as media campaigns on television have been implemented and screening programmes are undertaken with schools using the old immunization mobile clinic vehicle and NHS vehicles from time to time.

“Like many of our journeys in the health sector, we have started from humble beginnings from using the old mobile clinic vehicle that we had before to the new one before you all today.”

Tuitama acknowledged the assistance from Australia, New Zealand and the World Bank.

“ This is a significant investment in Samoa’s health efforts and one which he most pleased with,” he said. “This underscores the true value of partnership, I can already envision the great benefits and improvement to the Rheumatic Heart Disease Screening Programme through the proper utilisation of this asset and the easier access of our people to this service.”

Tuitama, however, pointed out that “the challenge would be in its proper maintenance and continuous sustaining of the programme which the SWAP Program has supported over the years.”

High Commissioner of Australia, Sue Langford, praised Samoa’s efforts to fight rheumatic heart disease.

“I commend the efforts of the hard working team at the National Health Service,” she said.

“Samoa’s own Cardiologist Professor Dr Satupa’itea Viali, and the Ministry of Health led by the Honourable Minister of Health, who had the plan and the determination to ensure this important project is delivered.”

Ms Langford said screening for Rheumatic Heart Disease needs a partnership that extends beyond the health sector.

“This represents collaboration between the National Health Service, the Ministries of Health and Education, Sports and Culture and the development partners."

“This vehicle will replace Samoa’s original mobile van, which was funded by the Government of New Zealand some 14 years ago and it will be the first special purpose vehicle of its kind in Samoa.”

Rheumatic fever is caused by a bacterial infection, which often starts with a sore throat. If it’s not treated correctly this often leads to chronic heart damage or death.

“Sadly, Pacific peoples have one of the highest rates of rheumatic fever in the world and both Rheumatic fever and RHD commonly occur in Samoa and in the Apia area particularly.

“While the rate of RHD and rheumatic fever has fallen over the years since 2003,the Government of Samoa has sent between 25 and 30 young people every year for RHD surgery in New Zealand.

“Without a doubt, RHD is a complex problem but the really important message is that it is a preventable disease and a disease which is not hard to prevent and this vehicle and the service it provides is one part of that prevention.”