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.
Publishing information
- Publication date
- Citation
Ministry of Health. 2026. Research Agenda: Rheumatic Fever and rheumatic heart disease. Wellington: Ministry of Health.
- ISBN
- 978-1-991324-88-7 (online)
- HP number
- 9174
- Copyright status
-
Owned by the Ministry of Health and licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence.
