64939 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

64939 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the quarter April to June 2024 toward the outcome ‘Improved access to culturally safe high quality sore throat and skin infection management for priority groups’ under ‘focus area one: whānau ora (Determinants of wellbeing and primary prevention)’ within the Rheumatic Fever Roadmap?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised that during the April to June 2024 quarter, the following progress was made across Focus Area one of the Rheumatic Fever Roadmap: • Health New Zealand continued to support the delivery of the Healthy Homes Initiative. • Health NZ and the Ministry of Health (MoH) continued to strengthen relationships with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, and the Ministry of Social Development, and provided evidence-based advice on the impact of housing on health. • MoH continued to work with social sector agencies on determinants of health-related initiatives, including the application of social investment principles to determinants of health-related work. • Mana Kidz continued to deliver its nurse-led, school-based programme providing comprehensive healthcare, with a rheumatic fever focus in the Counties Manukau region. This programme is being led by the National Hauora Coalition in partnership with local providers. • The Cause Collective continued to raise awareness of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease across Pacific communities through social media, radio, and churches. • A procurement process has begun for a national rheumatic fever awareness raising initiative. • The four health regions formed a network to collaborate on rheumatic fever prevention and management actions, including a national stocktake of rheumatic fever services.