Remote Laundries Slash Scabies, Prevent Heart Disease

Access to functional laundry facilities is a critical factor in reducing scabies rates within remote Indigenous communities. Liz Morgan-Brett observed severe scabies infections and related complications like rheumatic heart disease during her 2018 visits.

These diseases, largely eradicated in developed nations due to improved sanitation, persist in remote areas with inadequate housing. Scabies affects a significant majority of Indigenous children before their first birthday, potentially leading to streptococcal infections and rheumatic heart disease if untreated.

The Indigenous-owned Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG) has addressed this by building commercial-grade laundries. Their initial prototype in Barunga resulted in an 88,000+ wash cycle milestone, achieving a 60% scabies reduction and preventing new rheumatic heart disease cases.

Currently, seven AIG laundry sites operate across the Northern Territory, offering free commercial laundry services. Teacher Gemma Brogan highlights the prohibitive cost of laundry supplies and washing machines in remote areas, advocating for wider adoption of such facilities.

Perpethua Ali, who experienced acute rheumatic fever, emphasizes the importance of awareness and prevention, noting the high prevalence of rheumatic heart disease and diabetes in her community. As of late December 2024, over 11,700 people in Australia had rheumatic heart disease or related conditions, with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people disproportionately affected.

Associate Professor Aunty Vicki Wade stresses that while remote laundries are important for environmental health, they are part of a larger strategy including education and culturally safe care to combat rheumatic heart disease.