Research findings

We found associations between COVID-19 time periods and admissions to hospital for ARF and RHD. ARF and RHD inequities remain large between Māori and Pacific peoples, and non-Māori, non-Pacific peoples. 

Look out for our research outputs coming soon including journal article publications.

We have shared study findings at the following conferences.

• Wright, K., Dennison, A., Mills, C., van der Werf, B., Paine, S-J. (2025, November 4-7). Whaia Te Maramatanga: The COVID-19 response and acute rheumatic fever inequities, Aotearoa New Zealand 2020 – 2022. Paediatric Society of New Zealand Annual Meeting.
• Wright, K., Dennison, A., Mills, C., van der Werf, B., Paine, S-J. (2025, 18 June) Whāia te Māramatanga: COVID-19 and rheumatic heart disease in Aotearoa. Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand 4th Indigenous Cardiovascular Health Conference.
• Wright, K., Dennison, A., Mills, C., van der Werf, B., Paine, S-J. (2025, June 16-19). Whāia te Māramatanga: COVID-19 and acute rheumatic fever in Aotearoa. Lowitja Institute 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference 2025.
• Wright, K., Dennison, A., Mills, C., van der Werf, B., Paine, S-J. (2024, December 3). Whāia te Māramatanga: COVID-19 and acute rheumatic fever in Aotearoa. PRIDoC 2024.
• Wright, K., Dennison, A., Mills, C., van der Werf, B., Paine, S-J. (2024, November 26-27). Whāia te Māramatanga: COVID-19 and acute rheumatic fever in Aotearoa. Pacific Medical Association Conference.