A parent advocate is calling on families across Fiji to seek early medical attention for children showing signs of illness, warning that delays and reliance on traditional remedies are contributing to the country’s high rates of Rheumatic Heart Disease.

Erini Kala of the Heart Heroes Fiji says her journey began when her own child was diagnosed with RHD, a moment she describes as overwhelming, filled with fear and uncertainty.

Kala later joined a support group, where she found comfort among other parents facing similar struggles. However, what stood out most was a widespread lack of awareness about the disease.

“I sat and observed, many parents did not understand what RHD is or how it develops. That’s when I made it my mission to learn and to raise awareness.”

With support from Cure Kids Fiji, Kala helped establish Heart Heroes Fiji, an organization focused on screening, education, and community outreach.

She says ccording to Ministry of Health data, around 5,000 people in Fiji are diagnosed with RHD, with 70 percent under the age of 30. The majority of cases are among iTaukei communities.

Kala says cultural practices and traditional remedies often delay proper treatment.

“When my child had a throat infection, I used lemon and ginger. For joint pain, we tie pandanus leaves. It’s what we are used to — but these remedies do not kill bacteria,”

She stresses that while traditional methods may ease symptoms, they do not address the root cause of infections that can lead to RHD.

“Bacteria remain in the body. Only proper medical treatment, like penicillin injections, what we call benza, can prevent this disease from worsening.”

Kala is urging parents not to ignore early warning signs such as sore throats, joint pain, or persistent discomfort in children.