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
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.
Guarantee Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership
Set targets to end rheumatic heart disease
Fund a roadmap to end rheumatic heart disease
Commit to immediate action in at risk communities
Invest in strategic research and technology
Campaign to tackle RHD, a preventable yet deadly disease, builds momentum
Three Aboriginal brothers – the youngest only three - who are living with deadly rheumatic heart disease (RHD) will today join community representatives, health workers and medical experts at Parliament House, asking for a commitment to end the disease in Australia....
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