A community laundry initiative in the Northern Territory is proving to be a powerful tool in reducing rheumatic heart disease and scabies rates among remote Indigenous communities. Former Olympian Liz Morgan-Brett saw the dire need for clean laundry facilities during a 2018 tour, where overcrowded housing and lack of running water fueled preventable diseases.
Rheumatic heart disease, largely eliminated in developed nations by the mid-20th century, persists in these areas due to untreated scabies infections. Up to 70% of Indigenous children in remote communities contract scabies before their first birthday, leading to group A streptococcus infections that cause acute rheumatic fever and ultimately rheumatic heart disease.
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How the Community Laundry Project Works
The Indigenous-owned not-for-profit Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG) built the first prototype laundry in 2019 in Barunga, a remote community about 300km south-east of Darwin. Within two years, scabies dropped by 60%, and there were no new cases of rheumatic heart disease. The project now operates seven commercial-grade laundry sites across the Northern Territory, providing free washing and drying services.
Key Results from the Laundry Program
| Metric | Before Laundry | After Laundry |
|---|---|---|
| Scabies infection rate | 70% in children under 1 | 60% reduction |
| New rheumatic heart disease cases | Ongoing | Zero in Barunga |
| Total laundry cycles completed | 0 | Over 88,000 |
Why Clean Laundry Matters for Health
Scabies mites thrive in unwashed bedding and clothing. Without access to commercial-grade washers and dryers, families in overcrowded housing cannot break the cycle of reinfection. By providing free laundry services, AIG directly addresses the root cause of scabies and its deadly complications.
Broader Impact on Indigenous Communities
Gemma Brogan, a teacher in Gunbalanya, notes that the laundry featured in the project has become a community hub. Residents now have a reliable way to keep clothes and linens clean, reducing skin infections and improving overall well-being. The model is being considered for expansion to other remote areas.
Key Takeaways
- Access to clean laundry dramatically reduces scabies rates and prevents rheumatic heart disease.
- Commercial-grade washers and dryers are essential for overcrowded households.
- The AIG project has completed over 88,000 wash cycles across seven sites.
- No new cases of rheumatic heart disease have been reported in Barunga since the laundry launched.
FAQ
What is the link between scabies and rheumatic heart disease?
Scabies sores can become infected with group A streptococcus bacteria, which triggers acute rheumatic fever and can damage heart valves, leading to rheumatic heart disease.
How does the community laundry reduce heart disease?
By providing free commercial-grade washing and drying, the laundry breaks the cycle of scabies reinfection, reducing streptococcal infections and preventing rheumatic heart disease.
Where are these laundries located?
Currently, seven laundry sites operate across the Northern Territory, including Barunga and Gunbalanya, with plans for expansion.
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