The Leukaemia Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor James Ward to its Board, effective immediately.
Professor Ward brings a wealth of experience, a strong commitment to equity, and deep expertise in Indigenous health – qualities that will be invaluable as we intensify our efforts to support all Australians impacted by blood cancer.
Professor Ward is a proud Pitjantjatjara and Narungga man and currently serves as Director of the University of Queensland Poche Centre for Indigenous Health (since 2020).
For nearly three decades, he has driven community-led public health and infectious disease research, forging policy and research partnerships across more than 100 Indigenous communities, and influencing clinical practice and national guidelines.
Previously, Professor Ward was Head of Infection and Immunity – Aboriginal Health at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) from 2014 to 2019.
He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences and an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow, holding a PhD and deep expertise in systems change, equity, and collaboration with the Aboriginal community-controlled health sector.
"We are honoured to welcome Professor Ward to our Board," said Lucio Di Giallonardo, Leukaemia Foundation Board Chair.
"His leadership and experience will strengthen our capacity to address the unacceptable disparities in blood cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship faced by First Nations Australians.
"And his voice will help ensure our policies, support services and advocacy truly reflect the needs of all Australians facing a blood cancer diagnosis."
With Professor Ward's guidance and support, the Leukaemia Foundation is more committed than ever to:
- Ensuring equitable access to diagnosis, treatment and support services for First Nations communities and other underserved populations;
- Shaping research, support and advocacy in a way that recognises and responds to systemic inequities in health outcomes;
- Strengthening partnerships across the Indigenous health sector, with researchers and clinicians to improve outcomes for First Nations Australians and all blood cancer patients.
"We believe that blood cancer does not, and should not, discriminate and neither should care, support or hope," said Mr Di Giallonardo.
"With Professor Ward joining our Board, we take a bold step forward in ensuring that the inequalities that have persisted for too long are addressed head-on.
"His leadership will help us continue the fight for every Australian affected by blood cancer — no matter who they are or where they live."
