We need to close the gap.
Young Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Australians are 55 times more likely to die of rheumatic heart disease than their non-Indigenous peers.
Together, we can end rheumatic heart disease in Australia.
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is permanent heart damage, resulting from a throat or skin infection caused by Strep A bacteria. If not managed properly, it can cause heart failure, death and disability.
Most people with RHD live in developing countries, however Australia has some of the highest rates of the disease in the world – occurring almost exclusively in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
In a country like Australia, rheumatic heart disease shouldn’t exist. Yet it does – taking lives, and causing disability to some of our most vulnerable.
From all walks of life, we’re uniting, committing to one thing: ending rheumatic heart disease. Will you help?
people die of RHD every year globally
INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS AT RISK OF DEVELOPING RHD
AVERAGE AGE OF DEATH FROM THE DISEASE IN INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS
USUAL LENGTH OF TREATMENT
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In The Media
Australia a key contributor to global commitment to end deadly rheumatic heart disease
The World Health Organisation resolution for global action to tackle rheumatic heart disease (RHD) will have significant implications for Australia, which has some of the highest rates of the disease in the world. Telethon Kids Institute is a founding partner of END...
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