Artwork courtesy of La Grange Remote Community School, Bidyadanga Community, Karajarri Country
Strep A is a bacteria that causes throat and skin infections, usually in kids aged five to 15. Left untreated, it can also lead to devastating conditions that can cause lasting damage to the heart or kidneys, toxic shock syndrome or flesh-eating disease.
Each year, Strep A causes 616 million sore throats and 500,000 deaths. That’s why the Australian Strep A Vaccine Initiative (ASAVI) is leading the global effort to develop a world-first Strep A vaccine. We’re determined to reduce the impact of Strep A infections, potentially saving millions of young lives and improving the health and wellbeing of our kids.
ASAVI is a partnership between The Kids Research Institute Australia and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI), led by Co-Directors Jonathan Carapetis and Andrew Steer. Together, we work closely with public health organisations, industry, academic partners and the International Strep A Consortium (SAVAC).
Strep A has a devastating effect on Indigenous populations around the globe and ASAVI is committed to closing this unacceptable health gap.
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have one of the highest rates of acute rheumatic fever (ARF) caused by Strep A infection, with rates also alarmingly high in Maori and Pacific Island children.
ARF leads to rheumatic heart disease (RHD), which can cause permanent damage to the valves in the heart. A Strep A vaccine will potentially reduce the 39 million cases of RHD and 300,000 deaths from it each year.
The Kids Research Institute Australia and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute respectfully acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation, the traditional custodians and guardians of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders past, present and emerging.