New portable Echocardiography Screening Machine to increase RHD screening capacity by 50 per cent

Today, the Rotary Club of Suva and Cure Kids Fiji officially commissioned a new portable echocardiography screening machine that will increase Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) screening capacity by 50 per cent in the Western Division, significantly improving early detection and diagnosis. The machine, valued at FJD 100,000 was purchased through the generous co-funding of the Rotary Club of Suva and the Fiji Water Foundation, each contributing FJD 50,000.

The Rotary Club of Suva’s President, Laisa Digitaki says she is very pleased that the Rotary Club of Suva was able to continue its assistance to Cure Kids Fiji. “Our aim is to assist as many children as possible in Fiji and reduce child mortality caused by RHD,” she said.

Purchased from GE Healthcare New Zealand, Cure Kids Fiji says the machine arrived just in time for World Heart Day celebrations in Tavua on September 26, where it was first used to screen students from Naseyani District School. The state-of-the-art portable echocardiography screening machine will join a fleet of six other screening machines that are being used across the country.

“The Western Division health office is thankful to Rotary Club of Suva for the timely assistance in providing the Western Division with our new echocardiography machine,” said RHD Coordinator Western Division, Lavenia Merekula.

“This will no doubt enhance our diagnostic efforts towards the early detection of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD, and most importantly allow us to take ARF and RHD screening to our very remote areas in the Western Division.”

Cure Kids Fiji Country Manager, Dr. Jimaima Kailawadoko says the organisation is grateful to the fundraising efforts of the Rotary Club of Suva. She highlighted that Cure Kids Fiji has had a long association with Rotary which includes Rotary Club of Remuera NZ and Rotary International’s generous support of the Fiji Oxygen Programme.

“Rotary Club of Suva’s generosity and support plays a key role in driving long-term health improvements in Fiji. We are proud to work alongside such dedicated partners and look forward to continuing these impactful partnerships to make a lasting difference in the lives of Fijians,” she said.

Rotary Club of Suva, Laisa Digitaki further said that the Rotary Club of Suva’s fundraising efforts continue to support the health sector in Fiji, and this would get an opportune time to thank all those who have helped us in our fundraising efforts.

“Today we can see how we are helping our communities to improve the health of our children,” she said.

Rheumatic Heart Disease continues to be the second leading cause of death for children and young people in Fiji, ages 5–29. RHD disproportionately affects lower-middle income countries and low resource settings, primarily due to overcrowded living conditions and limited access to health care. It is a preventable disease that starts with a sore throat (Strep throat) or skin sores caused by a bacteria called Group A Strep (GAS). If untreated, this can lead to acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and, ultimately, RHD.

Early diagnosis and intervention are critical in preventing long-term complications and improving quality of life.

Caption: A child is screened by Dr. Auto during 2024 World Heart Day in Tavua.