Rheumatic Heart Disease
RHD is preventable — with clean skin, early treatment, and regular care, we can keep our community strong.
At GYHSAC, protecting our mob from Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) is more than a job — it’s a passion.
Through a NACCHO-funded initiative, we reduce Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and RHD through early detection, culturally safe care, and community-led education.
Our dedicated ARF & RHD team – including a General Practitioner, ARF & RHD Coordinator, nurse and Indigenous Health Worker – provides person-centred care, from early screening and diagnosis to long-term support for clients needing monthly bicillin injections. And it’s making a real difference: missed-needle rates have dropped from 60% to just 30%!
We are also tackling the root causes of RHD through partnerships like the Yarrabah Healthy Housing Pilot and Skin Heroes school program, promoting healthy skin and hygiene from the ground up.
From virtual reality distraction tools for injections to boosting specialist clinic attendance, innovation is at the heart of our success.
