Rheumatic heart disease
Queensland’s approach to ending acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease
Ending rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in Queensland and achieving health equity for First Nations people is a key priority.
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD are prevalent in Queensland communities, cities, and towns at documented rates among the highest in the world. RHD is almost exclusively a disease of poverty and social disadvantage. It is seen most commonly in rural and remote First Nations communities, where households are affected by overcrowding. It is in these communities that the Streptococcus A bacteria thrive and spreads, resulting in ARF the precursor to RHD. While progress has been made over the last decade, ARF and RHD are likely to be under-recognised and underdiagnosed.
On 4 March 2022, the Honourable Yvette D’Ath MP, Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, released the Ending Rheumatic Heart Disease: Queensland First Nations Strategy 2021-2024 (PDF 1624 kB), which was developed in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Sector and through widespread consultation.
Our strategy focused on 5 key priority areas:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership
- Community-based programs
- healthy environments and primordial prevention
- early prevention
- effective care and support for those living with ARF or RHD.
Read the final report (PDF 4741 kB) for the Ending Rheumatic Heart Disease: Queensland First Nations Strategy 2021–2024.
The 2024–2027 Action Plan is currently under development and will be released when finalised.