Aumua Meets with Rheumatic Heart Disease Experts
Washington, D.C. –Friday, Congresswoman Aumua Amata, met with two doctors, who specialize in treating Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) earlier this week to discuss the virtual epidemic of RHD that American Samoa is currently suffering from.
Congresswoman Amata, Dr. Beth Parker and Amber Michelle following the convention
"I am pleased that I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Beth Parker and Amber Michelle to discuss the disproportionate occurrence of Rheumatic Fever (RF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease in American Samoa. I learned a great deal, including that with regular treatment and the proper care, a great deal can be done to combat the affliction," said Amata.
Monday, two former LBJ Medical Center employees (Parker and Michelle) presented an analysis of quality improvement initiatives undertaken for children with rheumatic heart disease during the American Academy of Pediatrics National Convention on October 25, 2015 in Washington.
As a result, the Academy implemented a tracking program for children with a history of rheumatic fever to ensure that they received their bicillin shots (the only proven therapy to prevent or slow down heart damage known as rheumatic heart disease) as directed. The adherence to bicillin therapy among all children known to have a history of rheumatic fever improved from 79% in 2010 to 89% in 2015 due to these measures.
Dr. Beth Parker and Amber Michelle next to their analysis presentation prior to the Convention
In American Samoa at least 10.5 per 1000 school-age children are affected by rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, whereas the prevalence in the mainland U.S. has declined dramatically over the past century and now sits at 0.05 per 1000 people. Under Director Motusa Nua's leadership, this work is being continued by the Department of Health's RHD program directed by Mrs. Ipuniuesea Eliapo Unutoa.
"I want to thank both Dr. Beth Parker and Amber Michelle for their informative and hope inspiring presentation and I look forward to assisting them in their mission to eradicate this terrible disease in American Samoa and across the globe. I also want to recognize Director Nua and Mrs. Unutoa for their leadership and efforts in combating RHD and thank them for the work they do to ensure the good health of our children," concluded Amata.
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