RASA: The new research alliance leading the fight against RHD & ARF. Want to know more? →
We need to close the gap.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people live with rheumatic heart disease (RHD) at rates 60 times higher than non-Indigenous Australians About RHDTogether, 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?
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people are living with ARF or RHD
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people are predicted to develop RHD or ARF by 2031
Average age of death of Aboriginal people dying with RHD
5 Priorities to end rheumatic heart disease in Australia
These priorities are a starting point for the actions needed to eliminate rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Australia.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander leadership
Community-based programs
Healthy environments
Early prevention
Care and support
Strep A & RHD Stories
Isla’s story
Adele’s story
Tenaya’s story
Laqueisha’s story