ASAVI
The Kids Research Institute Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and waters of Australia. We also acknowledge the Nyoongar Wadjuk, Yawuru, Kariyarra and Kaurna Elders, their people and their land upon which the Institute is located and seek their wisdom in our work to improve the health and development of all children.
The Australian Strep A Vaccine Initiative (ASAVI) is an Australian-led global initiative with the goal of reducing the disease burden caused by Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infection through effective vaccination.
Strep A bacteria causes pharyngitis (‘strep throat’) and skin sores which, when left untreated, can lead to fatal and debilitating conditions including acute rheumatic fever, rheumatic heart disease, invasive Strep A diseases such as flesh-eating disease, and toxic shock syndrome. In Australia, Strep A infections disproportionately affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
ASAVI is co-directed by Professor Jonathan Carapetis at The Kids Research Institute Australia in partnership with Professor Andrew Steer at Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. ASAVI will play a leading role in the global effort to develop a Strep A vaccine and will work closely with public health organisations, industry and academic partners and the International Strep A Vaccine Consortium (known as SAVAC).