A group of highly experienced multi-disciplinary doctors, paediatric cardiologists, health workers, Aboriginal leaders and the local community have gathered in Alice Springs to launch the third major leg of the ‘Deadly Heart Trek’ through Central Australia.

Two dedicated teams of 8 will visit 22 communities with the aim of educating, treating and diagnosing local Aboriginal communities affected by rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

On the Central Australia Trek, the teams will undertake a range of activities, including:
• Undertaking heart checks for children – echocardiographic (echo) screening to detect RHD
• Doing skin checks and promoting skin awareness – to understand skin sores, scabies and
their link to RHD
• Undertaking education for the community, health workers and schools on RHD

We want to acknowledge the two experienced Trek teams of 8, volunteering their time to make this Trek happen, as well as the Heart Foundation, HeartKids, GE Healthcare, AMSANT, Take Heart and The Snow Foundation for their support.