Rheumatic heart disease is a pressing issue among Samoan children, exacerbated by overcrowded schools and lack of awareness.
Dr. Farah Fatupaito, head of Paediatrics at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Apia, highlighted parental misconceptions about early symptoms. “The stories we’ve been told by the parents are, ‘oh, they have sore joints or he fell’…when they come in, they’re pretty sick,” she said.
Severe cases often require surgeries abroad. With New Zealand’s high costs, families increasingly turn to India. “A cardiac lesion costs only US$7,000 in India, but it’s around US$15,000 in New Zealand,” Fatupaito explained.
Samoa is countering challenges through initiatives like the Manu app, which enhances patient record-keeping. “If this child didn’t get their penicillin shot, they can actually see that,” Fatupaito said.
Fatupaito remains optimistic, emphasizing local doctor training to reduce reliance on foreign systems. “It’s going to be a good future for our younger doctors,” she concluded.
Source: RNZ
