Using our eyes and ears to help young hearts | Josh Francis | TEDxCharles Darwin University

Disease Overview - Rheumatic heart disease is an old disease affecting young people, striking children and teenagers [4][5] - It starts with common infections like infected skin sores or strep throat, leading to an abnormal immune response [11][12] - The abnormal immune response damages heart valves, causing blood to flow backward, potentially leading to heart failure and death [13][17] Prevalence and Disparities - In developed countries like the US and Denmark, rates of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease plummeted in the 20th century due to improved living conditions and antibiotics [19] - However, in the Northern Territory, remote communities, and other regions, rates are as high as those seen 100 years ago in developed countries [20][21] - In some communities, over 5% (one in 20) of school-aged children have been diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease [21] - Screening reveals that over 50% of cases in Australia and over 90% in Teimolestee are new, previously undiagnosed cases [23] Community-Based Solutions - Communities want to find undiagnosed children and get them on treatment to prevent heart failure, surgery, and death [29] - Communities prefer local Aboriginal health workers, practitioners, doctors, and nurses to be trained to diagnose and treat the disease [31][32] - Training local healthcare providers is not only possible but also better, enabling them to use technology to diagnose and treat rheumatic heart disease [33][34] Call to Action - The industry should listen to communities, understand their priorities, and work together to address challenges like rheumatic heart disease [25][27] - The industry should support policy changes to address poverty and the effects of colonization [28] - The industry should walk alongside communities, learn from their perspective, and empower them to lead the solutions [26][35]