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Drop in NZ Rheumatic fever rates a start

Author
Frances Cook ,
Publish Date
Thu, 27 Aug 2015, 8:20PM

Drop in NZ Rheumatic fever rates a start

Author
Frances Cook ,
Publish Date
Thu, 27 Aug 2015, 8:20PM

Rheumatic fever rates are dropping, but the Government admits it has a long way to go before it hits its self-prescribed goal.

Rates are down 24 percent on 2013 levels, but health officials want it down by 66 percent by June 2017.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said the initiatives to improve state and rental housing will help them achieve that target.

"The thing about this program is that it's actually a gateway into looking at a number of health and housing issues that any given family might face, so it's a whole of Government response."

Mr Coleman also states one of the biggest issues is making it easy to access health services, including letting people know what's available.

"Actually talk to kids at school. They're very aware now that you don't just have to just put up with a sore throat. You tell your parents about it and you ask them to take you to the doctor."

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