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Research
Caring for Pregnant Women with Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Qualitative Study of Health Service Provider PerspectivesRheumatic heart disease (RHD) persists in low-middle-income countries and in high-income countries where there are health inequities. RHD in pregnancy (RHD-P) is associated with poorer maternal and perinatal outcomes. Our study examines models of care for women with RHD-P from the perspectives of health care providers.
Research
A community-based program to reduce acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in northern AustraliaIn Australia’s north, Aboriginal peoples live with world-high rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and its precursor, acute rheumatic fever (ARF); driven by social and environmental determinants of health. We undertook a program of work to strengthen RHD primordial and primary prevention using a model addressing six domains: housing and environmental support, community awareness and empowerment, health literacy, health and education service integration, health navigation and health provider education.
Research
High risk of early sub-therapeutic penicillin concentrations after intramuscular benzathine penicillin G injections in Ethiopian children and adults with rheumatic heart diseaseIntramuscular benzathine penicillin G (BPG) injections are a cornerstone of secondary prophylaxis to prevent acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Uncertainties regarding inter-ethnic and preparation variability, and target exposure profiles of BPG injection are key knowledge gaps for RHD control.
Research
Genome-wide analysis of genetic risk factors for rheumatic heart disease in Australian Aboriginal populations from the Northern TerritoryRheumatic heart disease (RHD) following Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections is heritable and prevalent in Indigenous populations.
News & Events
The Kids researchers granted $5 million to prevent RHD across PacificA team led by Dr Joseph Kado from the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, and The University of Western Australia (UWA) has been awarded $5 million by the Federal Government in a major push to prevent rheumatic heart disease across the Pacific.
News & Events
Call for urgent funding boost for RHD in AustraliaThere are calls for a significant and urgent injection of $40 million in funding to tackle Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) following Monday night’s Four Corners episode.
Latest news & events at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines & Infectious Diseases.
Research
Environmental and social determinants of acute rheumatic fever: a longitudinal cohort studyPrevention strategies in ARF endemic settings may be enhanced by targeting new members entering a community and children in environments of close contact
Research
Focused cardiac ultrasound screening for rheumatic heart disease by briefly trained health workers: A study of diagnostic accuracyEchocardiographic screening for rheumatic heart disease (RHD) can identify individuals with subclinical disease who could benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis.
Research
Seven key actions to eradicate rheumatic heart disease in Africa: The Addis Ababa communiquDevelop a 'roadmap' of key actions that need to be taken by governments to eliminate ARF and eradicate RHD in Africa