ABC News: Scabies spread in remote Indigenous communities

At Aboriginal Investment Group (AIG), we pride ourselves on providing solutions to build stronger Aboriginal communities.

And we love a good news story.

Watch last night’s ABC News story here.

Our Remote Laundries project has proven to be a simple solution that prevents scabies infestation and more serious diseases like rheumatic heart disease (RHD).

The project also saves the government health budget with a $6.01 return for every $1 invested in each laundry over five years.

Last night, ABC reporter James Elton highlighted the health, social and economic impact our Remote Laundries project is making on the Barunga community in the Top End of the Northern Territory.

Since its inception, cases of scabies in Barunga have dropped by 60% and there have been no new cases of RHD. But the Remote Laundry in Barunga is bucking the trend with recent data from the Centre for Disease Control showing scabies cases are at record highs.

The program continues to grow, with four more laundries set to open in 2024.

“8 out of 10 Indigenous kids were developing scabies before their first birthday and something had to be done,” said AIG CEO Liz Morgan-Brett.

“Our goal is to roll out a laundry to any community that needs or wants it. It’s a lofty one, but we think we can achieve it,” said Liz.

To help us achieve this goal, we are looking for partners and donors to join us on the journey.

Find out more at www.remotelaundries.org.au/donate