Health professionals are calling on the Government to step up as rheumatic fever goes untreated.

One in 10 people on the Counties Manukau rheumatic fever register have fallen off the treatment plans in recent years.

Health professor Diana Lennon said a lack of quality housing is the root of the problem.

She said people don't access treatment because they're forced to move around damp and over-crowded homes.

Dr Lennon said the Government needs to take action.

"It's a travesty, it's an absolute travesty and New Zealand should get real about such an extraordinary barometer in health care. We need housing, housing and housing."

Patients need a penicillin jab every month for 10 years to treat the disease.

But Lennon said many of those suffering don't access treatment.

She said the situation's desperate but there's little more health workers can do.

"The nurses who work very hard at this have quite a big challenge trying to track people down because they move around trying to find somewhere to live".