Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases researchers Dr Janessa Pickering and Dr August Mikucki travelled to Broome last week for the official launch of the long-awaited Missing Piece story books.
Co-designed by the kids from St Mary's and Holy Rosary primary schools, the books tell the story of the Missing Piece Surveillance Study that took place in Broome and Derby to help researchers learn more about Strep A infections.
“We had over 100 community members gather around the campfire to listen to stories during a Book Week event and share a meal under a spectacular Broome sunset – we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect setting to launch our new books,” said Dr Pickering.
“We have been working with the school over the past six years, so it was great to celebrate this achievement with the community and acknowledge their involvement in developing these new resources.
It was extra special to catch up with the kids who took part in the study and saw themselves featured in the book for the first time!
First underway in 2019, the Missing Piece Surveillance Study led by Professor Asha Bowen - Head of the Healthy Skin and ARF Prevention team at the Wesfarmers Centre of Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, based at The Kids Research Institute Australia, Professor at The University of Western Australia and Paediatrician at Perth Children’s Hospital - involved 250 kids from Broome and Derby.
The research team visited the schools to conduct regular skin and throat checks to establish the burden of Strep A and guide new approaches to prevent acute rheumatic fever.
The Missing Piece books were developed alongside the kids, who wanted to see the story and results shared in a fun and engaging way.
The three-part series covers information about the nasty Strep A ‘bug’, as well as what happened as part of the study, what the samples were used for and what researchers discovered.
The team also dropped 400 sets of the books to Broome Library, primary schools, health organisations and day care centres during their visit to ensure it can be used as a vital community health resource for many years to come.
A big thank you goes out to the students and teachers at St Mary's in Broome and Holy Rosary in Derby, Catholic Education WA (CEWA), Broome Aboriginal Medical Service (BRAMS) and Derby Aboriginal Health Service (DAHS) who supported the Missing Piece Study - stay tuned for the key results due to be released in the coming months.
The beautiful books were brought to life with graphical design by Yawuru-Nyikini woman Kelli Savietto, photography by Michael Torres at Jalaru Photography and production by Clements and Co Studio - view them and order for yourself in the Resources Hub here.