Media Releases and Communiques
National chronic disease strategy
Australian Health Ministers have agreed to endorse a national strategic policy approach to improve chronic disease prevention and care in the Australian population.
18 November 2005
Joint Communique
Australian Health Ministers, meeting in Adelaide today, have agreed to endorse a national strategic policy approach to improve chronic disease prevention and care in the Australian population.The approach combines the National Chronic Disease Strategy with five supporting National Service Improvement Frameworks and the Blueprint for nation-wide surveillance of chronic diseases and associated determinants. Together, they provide a comprehensive response to the rising prevalence of chronic disease in Australia.
Over the last three years governments have worked closely together to develop the first National Chronic Disease Strategy. The Strategy, developed under the auspices of the National Health Priority Action Council, draws on a broad base of expert knowledge and opinion and represents a major step forward in effectively managing chronic disease in Australia.
Most of the burden of disease for Australians is due to chronic disease but there is growing evidence that chronic disease policy interventions can be effective in reducing this burden. Improved understanding of the risk factors for chronic disease and concerted action to reduce risk for all Australians is central to the Strategy. The Strategy has been developed to provide national policy directions to improve chronic disease prevention and care across Australia for the next five to ten years.
At today’s meeting Health Ministers also highlighted a number of joint initiatives and activities by individual jurisdictions that are consistent with the national directions outlined in the Strategy.
Media Contact:
Richard O’Leary, Media Advisor for NT Minister for Health
Mobile: 0401 119 586
Phone No: 08 8901 4118
Fax No: 08 8901 4119
E-mail: richard.oleary@ntn.gov.au
