Tackling rheumatic fever

This week the Government announced we are doubling our spending in Budget 2012 from $12 million to $24 million, to significantly reduce rheumatic fever in vulnerable communities. This is targeting 35,000 at-risk children in seven regions across the country.

Rheumatic fever is an entirely preventable third-world disease that can have serious consequences for children throughout their lives. Tackling this disease is a key part of the Prime Minister’s better public service challenge.

National is growing and protecting our public health service. We have invested an extra $1.5 billion into health over three years. There are an extra 800 doctors and 2000 extra nurses in our district health boards, we’re delivering record results in elective surgery and immunisations, and we’ve reduced waiting times at emergency departments and for cancer radiation treatment.

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