Research Agenda: Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease

This Research Agenda sets out the key priorities for future rheumatic fever research in New Zealand, across prevention, clinical care, and long-term outcomes. It aims to better connect research with policy, and health services.

Rheumatic fever remains a serious and unfair health issue in New Zealand, especially for Māori and Pacific peoples. Addressing it requires a coordinated, system-wide response. While there is strong research capability, efforts have not always been well connected. 

The Agenda provides a shared direction to help better align research across the sector and focus on areas where it can make the biggest difference. 

It is grounded in whānau-centred approaches emphasing equity, partnership, and shared accountability. It aims to ensure research leads to real improvements in prevention and care for Māori and Pacific communities. 

Developing a Research Agenda was identified as a priority action in the Rheumatic Fever Roadmap 2023–2028.