RHD stems from valve damage caused by untreated Strep A infections and remains closely linked to social disadvantage and poor living conditions in remote communities.

A local case from Karratha involves nine-year-old Miyoko Mongoo, diagnosed with RHD and receiving monthly long-acting antibiotic injections to prevent further episodes until at least age 21.

The Western Australian government has pledged $25 million over five years to boost RHD research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, underscoring the state's leadership in medical science.

WA will host the second World Congress on Rheumatic Heart Disease in November next year, bringing global attention to the state’s work in RHD prevention and research.

Globally, RHD affects around 40 million people and causes more than 300,000 deaths annually, with the burden greatest in remote, under-resourced regions.

In Australia, RHD is concentrated among Aboriginal communities, accounting for more than 90% of cases and predominantly affecting children aged 5 to 14, while urban areas have largely eliminated the disease.

Public health leader David Lloyd of the National Heart Foundation calls for urgent action and renewed commitment to eradicate RHD among Aboriginal children in Western Australia.

WA maintains a rheumatic heart disease register with more than 2,000 people, and new cases of acute rheumatic fever continue to progress to RHD in children, predominantly among Aboriginal communities.

Perth’s Kids Institute leads RHD research, including the ambitious Strep A vaccine initiative dubbed the 'Holy Grail' project, developed in partnership with First Nations communities and led by Professor Jonathan Carapetis.