Minister to address international cardiology conference

Hon Tariana Turia

Associate Minister of Health

Monday 5 May 2014 MEDIA RELEASE

Minister to address major international cardiology conference on rheumatic fever and tobacco reform

Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia is this week joining a group of leading international experts to talk about rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease and tobacco reform at a major international cardiology conference in Melbourne.

Mrs Turia a staunch proponent for stamping out rheumatic fever in New Zealand has been invited to speak at the World Heart Federation World Congress of Cardiology session Taking on Rheumatic Heart Disease: the roles of public and private sectors.

Her speech will focus on equity and building political will for rheumatic fever prevention in New Zealand.

The Government has recognised the urgent need to tackle rheumatic fever in our most vulnerable communities and has invested more than $65 million to do so, says Mrs Turia.

Im very pleased to be able to share some of my experiences around this important issue at such a prestigious conference.

Rheumatic fever is a serious but preventable disease that can have serious consequences for children during childhood and throughout their lifetime. A simple sore throat can lead to permanent heart damage.

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Minister to address international cardiology conference