The announcement is part of a new National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030 that will focus on improving women’s health in multiple areas.
“The women’s health strategy for 2020-2030 includes recommendations for action by
governments, health professionals and women themselves. It recognises that there is no
“average” woman and is inclusive of sexuality and gender identities,” said Health Minister Greg Hunt.
Over $10 million of the commitment will go towards funding research into accurate detection and treatment of endometriosis, as well as raising awareness of the condition among clinicians.
It is estimated 1 in 10 women and 700,000 Australian women suffer from endometriosis, a debilitating condition that causes inflammation and intense pain.
Proud to announce $52.2 million to help improve women’s health including $20 million for ovarian cancer research and $10 million for endometriosis research & awareness https://t.co/UVKfGKvWMq
— Greg Hunt (@GregHuntMP) April 8, 2019
From the funding, $9 million will be allocated to endometriosis research to improve detection, treatment and understanding of the often misunderstood condition.
$1.06 million will be used to develop a digital health platform for endometriosis research and support. The platform will enable a ‘one-stop shop’ for endometriosis
information and resources. It will also be used a treatment tool to refine effective treatments based on patient feedback and be a vehicle for collaborative research.
The not-for-profit EndoActive will receive $160,000. The organisation shares free endometriosis awareness videos with medical professionals and patients.
$20 million will be awarded to ovarian cancer prevention, detection and treatments.
Ovarian cancer has a poor prognosis, with only 43 of every 100 women diagnosed still alive five years after their diagnosis.
The funding will support ovarian cancer research under the Medical Research Future Fund. Early detection and finding a cure will be prioritised.
In addition to ovarian cancer and endometriosis, the new National Women’s Health Strategy 2020-2030 will provide funding to other areas of women’s health such as reducing stillbirth rates, pre and post natal depression and eating disorder treatments.
“I want to thank the women from all walks of life, doctors, policy makers and others who took part in the consultations to draft the strategy,” said Hunt.