Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have some of the highest rates of rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in the world.
This report outlines the trajectory of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and RHD in Australia until 2031, assuming only the current levels of funding and attention to these diseases: the cost of inaction.
Using linked hospital admissions and mortality data over the last two decades, this report estimates the burden of ARF and RHD for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:
- who were younger than 65 years and had existing disease in mid-2016 (who has it now); and
- who are projected to develop disease between mid-2016 and 2031 at an age younger than 65 years (who will get it).
Key findings
- Who has it now: 4,539 people living with RHD or the effects of ARF
- Who will get it: if no further action is taken to address RHD, a further 10,212 Aboriginal
- and Torres Strait Islander people are projected to develop the disease or its precursor – ARF – by 2031. Of these people:
- 1,370 will need heart surgery
- 563 with RHD will die
- $317 million will be spent on medical care
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