Rheumatic fever Photo: 123rf.com
Two young Pacific researchers have teamed up with the South Auckland community to take on rheumatic fever and gout which are two of the major health issues facing Māori and Pacific people.
Post-doctoral research fellows Dr Siobhan Tu'akoi and Dr Samuela Ofanoa launched their respective research projects this year, funded by the Health Research Council.
They named rheumatic fever and gout as largely affecting Māori and Pacific people in their communities.
However, Dr Nigel Wilson, of Starship Children's Hospital, has worked on the frontline as a pediatric cardiologist for more than 30 years - and he says the rates are much higher in the Pacific region.
Dr Wilson spoke wtih RNZ Pacific reporter Grace Fiavaai, and has more.
