Rheumatic Screening for Children North and West of Auckland

Chris Skelton

A rheumatoid arthritis nurse takes a swab to pick up strep throat that can lead to rheumatic fever. (archive photo)

Waitematā District Health Board is launching a new screening program for rheumatic fever in children, despite the persistence of the disease despite government efforts.

In 2012, the government set itself the goal of reducing rheumatic fever. per 100,000 people to 1.4 cases per 100,000 people by mid-2017. However, national data show that cases remained fairly stable during this period, with 3.4 cases per 100,000 people as of July 1, 2017.

The Auckland and Northland DHBs, including Waitematā, were still struggling with the disease and data show had been more than 90 cases in 2016 and 2017.

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Waitemata DHB Public Health Nurse Maretta Hodgson Delivers the Awhi Tamariki Program at Henderson South School

The New Screening Program, Called Awhi Tamariki, Includes Screening for Group Streptococcal Throat Infections A, which lead to rheumatic fever, as well as infections and dental problems in children from five primary deciles

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Awhi Tamariki completes school checks B4 , which focus on unidentified health needs, behavioral and developmental progress

The Awhi Tamariki program must be introduced at Henderson South School Pomaria Elementary School, Ranui Elementary School and L & # 39; 39, Birdwood School in Auckland West, as well as Onepoto Elementary School in Northcote

As Hinerangi Vaimoso, Communication Advisor for the Waitematā DHB: "All of these schools are considered Catherine Wightman, director of the Waitematā District Health Board's unit for child health, says that Awhi Tamariki gives nurses the opportunity to adopt an appropriate holistic oche. to the health of a child.

"This allows us to have a better picture of the situation in order to find a comprehensive plan to address certain problems" Thanks to Awhi Tamariki, we are able to put parents and caregivers to the table. comfortable knowing that their child is healthy and physically ready to gain ground.

Acute rheumatic fever is associated with poverty and overcrowding and has been eradicated in many countries. -mer.

– Stuff