$35 million in funding for rheumatic heart disease vaccine ‘will save lives’

The government will put $35 million towards developing a vaccine for rheumatic heart disease, a deadly illness that largely affects the indigenous.

The rheumatic heart disease vaccine would “save countless lives,” says Health Minister Greg Hunt. Picture: iStock

The federal government will put $35 million towards developing a vaccine for rheumatic heart disease, a deadly illness that largely affects indigenous communities.

The money from the Medical Research Future Fund will allow for the manufacture and testing of vaccines as well as the fast-tracking and funding of clinical trials, a joint statement from Indigenous Health Minister Ken Wyatt and Health Minister Greg Hunt says.

“Today is a game-changing step. Ending RHD (rheumatic heart disease) is a critical, tangible target to close the gap in indigenous life expectancy,” Mr Wyatt said.

Australia has one of the highest incidences of RHD in the world and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are 64 times more likely to develop it, the joint statement released on Sunday said.

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

Mr Hunt said the three-year funding would “save countless lives” and also “benefit Australia by ensuring it continues to be the global leader in Strep A and RHD research and public health implementation”.

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

Meanwhile, in another boost to heart health, Prime Minister Scott Morrison is also expected to announce Medicare-funded heart checks from April 1.

AAP