Australia is far from the center of the world's population, but the risk of a global pandemic still remains a serious threat.
Post-COVID-19, vigilance against infectious diseases has now become a necessity, no longer an option.
Between the Threat of the Plague and the Crisis of Confidence
Global concern is again sticking up following news of deaths from H5N1 bird flu in the United States. However, experts at the University of Melbourne reassured Australians by stating that the risk of infection to the public is still classified as low, although vigilance remains necessary for those who interact directly with farm animals.
Although physical threats can be managed, the biggest challenge comes from the social aspect. Professor Paul Kelly warned of a crisis of confidence in health authorities. The success of handling pandemics in the future depends largely on restoring public confidence in medical advice and vaccination programmes that had once faltered.
Priority of Inclusion and Early Diagnosis
The Federal Government has taken a progressive step by launching a $42 million National Autism Strategy. The program focuses on inclusion for families with autism, particularly for migrant communities that often face language barriers in accessing government systems.
In the field of degenerative diseases and cancer, technological innovations provide new hope:
- Dementia: A new blood test trial from Oxford University is now able to detect early biomarkers of dementia, providing opportunities for patients to manage symptoms earlier.
- Lung Cancer: Starting next July, the government will free CT scans for high-risk groups. In fact, mobile scanner trucks will be deployed to regional areas to ensure equal access for all citizens, including Indigenous communities.
Lifestyle Changes and Chronic Pain Management
Lifestyle issues remain a major focus as cases of type 2 diabetes rise. Experts are urging the government to immediately implement a sugary drinks tax and fruit and vegetable subsidies as a “policy package” to significantly change the national diet.
Meanwhile, the chronic pain management sector still needs serious attention. With one in five Australians suffering from chronic pain, the latest report shows a worrying diagnosis gap, with many patients having to wait more than three years for medical clarity. A holistic approach and greater investment are needed to deal with conditions whose economic burden extends beyond cancer and heart disease combined.
Australia: “Allergy Capital of the World”
The latest data confirms Australia's status as the country with the highest allergy rate in the world, affecting one in three citizens.
The impact is not only on individual health, but also a national burden of $18.9 billion.
Professor Kirsten Perrett insists that it is time for allergic diseases to get the same attention and research investment as other serious diseases to improve people's safety and quality of life.
