Healthy Skin Week
Healthy Skin Week is back on 3 - 7 March 2025!
Healthy Skin Week is our biannual outreach health event in Maningrida. During the week, we check for skin infections like scabies to help stop rheumatic heart disease, a serious illness in our community. Local health workers, doctors and researchers work together to run free skin checks for the community and provide treatment for those with scabies.
Stopping rheumatic heart disease in Maningrida
Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is a serious condition that can develop after untreated skin infections like scabies.
In Maningrida, RHD rates are high but we can help prevent it by keeping skin healthy and treating infections early.
That’s why Healthy Skin Week is so important.
During this event, we screen community members for scabies, provide treatment and share ways to look after our skin. By looking after our skin, we prevent rheumatic heart disease and protect our hearts.
Frequently asked questions
What is Healthy Skin Week?
Healthy Skin Week is a week-long community event in Maningrida focused on preventing rheumatic heart disease by screening for and treating scabies and skin infections. The event includes house-to-house visits and screenings at key locations.
Where will the screenings take place?
Our team will visit homes across the community. Screenings will also be conducted at the Nja-marleya Community Centre and Maningrida College. If weather and road conditions permit, we will send a team to visit outstations that request screenings.
Who is involved in Healthy Skin Week?
The event is led by Mala’la Health Service with support from volunteer doctors, Menzies, Captain Starlight and community health workers.
Why is skin health important?
Scabies and skin infections can lead to serious illnesses including acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Treating skin problems early on is an easy way to stop these diseases from developing.
Are there any incentives for participation?
Yes! Community members who participate in screening can enter a raffle to win prizes such as washing machines, whipper snippers and pressure washers.
How can I help with Healthy Skin Week?
You can help by encouraging family and friends to get screened, sharing information, and keeping your home and skin clean.
Our supporters
Healthy Skin Week is made possible with the support of our sponsors and community partners:
- Nja-marléya Cultural Leaders and Justice Group
- Menzies School of Health Research
- Maningrida College
- West Arnhem Regional Council
- Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation
- Maningrida Progress Association Inc
- Starlight Children's Foundation
- Stedman's Construction & Engineering
Contact us
For more information about Healthy Skin Week or our work in rheumatic heart disease, contact Mala'la Health Service at:
Address
PO Box 136
Maningrida, NT 0822, Australia
Email
clinicmgr@malala.com.au
Phone
08 8979 5772
For questions about Healthy Skin Week, contact:
Jessica Gatti
Primary Health Care Manager
jessica.gatti@malala.com.au
Ana Malupo
Rheumatic heart disease coordinator
ana.malupo@malala.com.au
Binh Van Phan
Senior Project Officer
binh.phan@malala.com.au
Website designed and developed by Captovate