One of the recipients of a gift donated by the VOMO family. Image provided by Cure Kids Fiji
Sharing a smile and positive news
Thirty kids living with Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) enjoyed a day in the Mamanuca Islands last Friday, at the annual ‘Christmas Day Out’ event hosted by VOMO Island Fiji & Captain Cook Cruises Fiji
RHD is a serious heart condition that affects 1 in 50 children in Fiji, one of the highest known rates in the world and a leading cause of death for our young people. In Fiji, at least 60 deaths a year are attributed to RHD.
Cure Kids Fiji is thankful to VOMO Island Fiji & Captain Cook Cruises Fiji for their generosity in hosting an event that enables children living with RHD to meet others just like them, as well as some of the people who make our RHD Control & Prevention programme possible.
Many young people living with RHD express feelings of isolation and anxiety but bringing the children together like this allows them to develop peer-to-peer networks for support and encouragement.
The children were treated to a range of activities on the island including a BBQ lunch, volleyball matches against staff and crew, and hours of fun in the ocean.
Despite the challenging economic times VOMO Island Fiji was also able to make a donation of FJ$4,500 on the day, which will further the reach of the programme.