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During 2013–2017, the mortality rate ratio for rheumatic heart disease among Indigenous versus non-Indigenous persons in Australia was 15.9, reflecting health inequity. Using excess mortality methods, we found that deaths associated with rheumatic heart disease among Indigenous Australians were probably substantially undercounted, affecting accuracy of calculations based solely on Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
The eradication of smallpox is considered one of the greatest achievements of humankind, thanks to vaccination. The widespread availability of childhood vaccines has substantially reduced childhood morbidity and mortality. Devastating infections, such as polio, have almost disappeared due to vaccination. In 2021, it was estimated that vaccination against ten selected pathogens will have averted 69 million deaths between 2000 and 2030. Increases in vaccine coverage and introduction of additional vaccines should reduce lifetime mortality by 72% in the 2019 birth cohort. However, access to vaccines that prevent life-threatening and disabling infectious diseases remains unequal.
Six scientists from The Kids Research Institute Australia have been named finalists across four categories in the 2026 Premier's Science Awards.
Three emerging research projects advancing the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines & Infectious Diseases' (WCVID) flagship research priorities have this week received a major funding boost through the latest WCVID Catalyst Grants.
New research has revealed that molecular point-of-care testing (POCT) can significantly improve detection of Group A Streptococcal (Strep A) pharyngitis compared to laboratory culture – particularly in remote communities, where results can take up to seven days – unlocking a major opportunity to prevent rheumatic
Congratulations to Alec Truswell, Tamara Veselinović, Anastasia Phillips, and Wenna Lee for being awarded Seed Funding through the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines & Infectious Diseases, each valued at up to $25,000, and to Sonia McAlister, the recipient of the 2026 Riley Hughes Memorial Award in Pertussis Research.
Researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia hope an Australian-first nasal spray vaccine for two to 11-year-olds will boost flu vaccination this winter.
Aboriginal families across Western Australia are being equipped with the knowledge to take early action against potentially life-threatening skin infections thanks to the launch of a Strong Skin phone app.
The first ever comprehensive study to estimate the prevalence of otitis media (OM) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has revealed some of the world’s highest rates of childhood middle ear disease.
10,000 families participating in research by The Kids Research Institute Australia have demonstrated the effectiveness of a simple text message for increasing the number of children receiving their vaccinations on time.