Vaka Mauri Collective

Vaka Mauri is a Pacific-led hub and collective advancing action against rheumatic heart disease (RHD) across the Pacific. The Pacific RHD Program brings together Pacific voices, families, communities, health workers and partners to share knowledge, lived experience and practical support. Its vision is an enduring collaboration centre that combines Pacific culture and local knowledge with technical support, while upholding the sovereignty of Pacific peoples in addressing the region’s unequal burden of disease.

The program focuses on strengthening care and building the foundations for an effective, sustainable and equitable response to RHD. This work is important in a region where an estimated 1–3% of people have RHD or acute rheumatic fever, and where RHD surgeries account for many overseas medical transfers from Vanuatu and Solomon Islands. The hub provides information about RHD, shares program updates and invites people to learn more, get involved and stay connected through news and updates. Vaka Mauri highlights that RHD is preventable and works toward stronger hearts and better support for Pacific families and communities.