What is actually happening
Currently, Australia has among the highest recorded rates of Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease in the world. The illness is caused by an autoimmune response to a bacterial infection and almost all cases recorded here are in indigenous people. Almost half of Australian's who are on the RHD register are under 24 and at risk of premature death or disability. .
Why is this happening?
It can be difficult to grasp a greater idea about what is actually occurring away from the major cities and towns if you haven’t been there, but members of remote indigenous communities are falling ill, sleeping on the floor and living in poor conditions due to:Overcrowding
Currently, there isn't enough infrastructure in some communities meaning that there can often be more than 10 people living in one home.
Poverty
Indigenous communities often face both material poverty; measured by social indicators such as income, employment, housing, health, education & criminality and non-material factors of poverty, including the loss of identity, spiritual and cultural heritage, the loss of contact with the land, & the loss of dignity and self-respect.
Outside conditions dust /windows open
In 2012–2013 22% of Indigenous households were living in houses of an unacceptable standard* *more than two major structural problems and less than 4 working facilities for washing people, clothes/bedding, storing/preparing food, and sewerage. .
“Camp Dogs” living inside
Camp dogs can often become dirty as they wander between parts of the community.
Floors/home not being cleaned
It can be difficult and feel hopeless cleaning a house when outside conditions flow throughout the house.
People not understanding the issue
Currently, many members of the community don't understand how environmental conditions can lead to poor health.