Funding for RHD vaccine "will save lives"



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The federal government will provide $ 35 million for the development of a rheumatic heart disease vaccine, a deadly disease that primarily affects Aboriginal communities.

Funds from the Medical Research Fund will be used to manufacture and test vaccines, as well as accelerate and fund clinical trials, announced Ken Wyatt, Minister of Aboriginal Health, and the Minister of Health. Health, Greg Hunt.

"Today's day is a milestone.The end of rheumatic heart disease is an essential and tangible target for bridging the gap in life expectancy of indigenous people," he said. Mr. Wyatt.

Australia has one of the highest DOD rates in the world, and Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders are 64 times more likely to develop it, the joint statement released on Sunday said.

The disease is a complication of bacterial infections of streptococcus A of the throat and skin.

Hunt said the three-year funding "would save countless lives" and "would also benefit Australia by ensuring it remains the world leader in Strep A and RHD research and development." implementation in public health ".

The vaccination initiative will be led by Professor Jonathan Carapetis of the Telethon Kids Institute and overseen by the Scientific Advisory Board, with the Aboriginal Advisory Committee also involved.

Australian Associated Press

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