The Liberal National Government will provide more support for women with endometriosis with new funding to raise awareness of the disease and research to improve the treatment and understanding of this often misunderstood and crippling condition.
Endometriosis is a chronic menstrual health disorder that affects around 700,000 Australian women and girls.
$9 million in Government funding will be allocated for a contestable targeted call for research that leads to non-invasive diagnostic testing, and a better understanding of the causes and underlying factors that lead to the development and progression of the disease.
This research will pave the way for prevention and the development of a possible cure.
In addition, the Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, will receive $1.06 million to develop a digital health platform for endometriosis research and support.
The platform will host a 'one-stop shop' providing information and resources, a treatment tool that will refine effective treatments for endometriosis based on patient feedback and a vehicle for promoting and supporting collaborative research.
EndoActive will also receive $160,000 to disseminate its award winning Shared Perspectives endometriosis videos, free of charge, to medical professionals and women affected by endometriosis.
Shared Perspectives is a resource of 25 evidence-based videos that help health professionals and patients to better understand the condition and provide guidance regarding effective methods of management and treatment.
These activities support priority action areas recommended in Australia's first National Action Plan for Endometriosis, which was launched in July 2018.
This action plan is a blueprint to increase research and improve the understanding and awareness of endometriosis as well as diagnosis and treatment for women experiencing this debilitating disorder. The Liberal National Government is committed to supporting women living with endometriosis.
This funding is in addition to the recent support of $4.7 million the Government has provided for action plan activities, including:
- $2.5 million in research funding provided to Jean Hailes for the establishment of a Clinical Research Network for endometriosis.
- $416,000 to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) for the development of clinical guidelines for endometriosis.
- $200,000 to Jean Hailes for Women's Health for a social media awareness campaign.
- $140,000 to the Pelvic Pain Foundation Australia for the delivery of endometriosis, period, and pelvic pain education in secondary schools, in partnership with the South Australian Government.
- $123,586 to the RANZCOG for the development of online learning resources for medical practitioners.
- $39,360 to the Australian College of Nursing for the development of an online training module for nurses.
This additional investment brings the total funding close to $15 million.
The Liberal National Government launched Australia's first National Action Plan for Endometriosis in July last year to ensure we are supporting every woman and girl living with endo.
The Government will continue to partner with peak endometriosis organisations to seek better health outcomes for Australian women impacted by this insidious condition.
