Advancing Strep A vaccine development for Aotearoa New Zealand
Rapua Te Mea Ngaro Ka Tau
Our name means ‘seeking that which is hidden’.
Rapua is a comprehensive programme of work, led by Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland, designed to make meaningful contributions to Strep A vaccine development, reducing the incidence of Acute Rheumatic Fever and contributing to the health and wellbeing of children in Aotearoa New Zealand.
About Strep A
Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) is a bacterium that can cause infections like strep throat and skin infections. In some cases, it leads to an autoimmune response, resulting in rheumatic fever and lifelong heart disease. Every year, Strep A affects millions globally and claims nearly 500,000 lives.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, thousands live with chronic rheumatic heart disease, with Māori and Pacific most inequitably impacted. Our research is dedicated to understanding, preventing, and treating Strep A infections to protect future generations.
Protecting Whānau
Combining the strengths of community, our experts and industry, we aim to improve insight into Strep A, identify better treatments and bring an end to rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Aotearoa New Zealand.
A safe and effective Strep A vaccine has the potential to prevent these diseases. A vaccine would also reduce life threatening invasive Strep A disease and vast numbers of skin and throat infections, providing many health benefits for Aotearoa New Zealand.
See what we are doing to reduce the burden of Strep A in Aotearoa.
Your Story Matters
Help shape the future of Strep A research. We’re working to ensure a future Strep A vaccine is both effective and accessible for communities across Aotearoa. To do this, we’re inviting patients and caregivers to share their experiences with Strep A infections, rheumatic fever, or rheumatic heart disease. Your insights can help shape better healthcare solutions and support others facing similar challenges.
If you’d like to be involved, please get in touch – we value your story.
Together, we can make a difference
Turning Research into Better Care
Healthier Futures for Tamariki and Rangatahi
Our research aims to improve the health of children and young people in Aotearoa.
Stronger Community Voices in Vaccination Decisions
We support greater community engagement in decisions about new vaccines.
Building Local Expertise in Vaccine Science
Enhancing vaccine development knowledge ensures better solutions for New Zealand.
Regional Collaboration for Effective Vaccines
Working with partners to ensure new vaccines meet the needs of our population.
Preventing strep throat infection through vaccination could make a significant difference to the rates of infection and subsequent complications of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
Rheumatic Fever report, Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor
Connecting Research, Community and Impact
Rapua builds on a strong foundation of clinical laboratory expertise, integrating research across labs, clinics, and communities to drive meaningful health outcomes for all.
” It makes you feel more safe and secure from the bacteria.”
– 12 year old Tamaiti
News
Post-Covid-19 lockdown disease surge tied to waning antibody levels
A new New Zealand study suggests the post-COVID surge in Strep A and RSV was partly due to waning antibodies from reduced exposure during lockdowns – an unintended effect of pandemic measures.
Severe invasive Group A Strep disease now a ‘notifiable’ disease
Starting 1 October 2024, health professionals in New Zealand must report invasive group A streptococcal infections, a serious illness that often leads to hospitalisation, as it becomes a notifiable disease.
What NZ scientists just learned about nasty Strep A bug with ‘striking’ differences
A University of Auckland-led study reveals that Strep A immunity varies across strains, challenging current vaccine strategies and paving the way for more effective, multi-target approaches.
Contact Us
Get in touch to learn more about our research, patient resources, up-to-date clinical information, or community initiatives. Whether you’re interested in collaboration or supporting whānau, we’re here to help.