The Turnbull Government has today launched a new national strategy to help tackle asthma, while also providing an additional $1 million for an asthma support program in schools.
One in ten Australians suffer from asthma and it is one of the most common chronic conditions among children.
This is a significant health challenge for individuals and families and it can be fatal, causing around 400 deaths each year.
The National Asthma Strategy released today was developed by the National Asthma Council, in consultation with the Asthma Foundation, and provides a roadmap for more effective treatment and better care for patients.
It looks at ways to improve the health workforce and provides guidance on more effective care management and the importance for medical research into the causes and new treatments of asthma.
The Strategy was informed by an expert advisory group and is the result of extensive consultation.
It also explores new approaches to predict and manage public health advice and treatment in response to specific environmental risks, including thunderstorms.
Children account for the majority of hospitalisations due to asthma, with more than half of the almost 40,000 hospitalisations being for children aged zero to 14.
The Asthma in School program will support face-to-face training for teachers and information for young people, and promotion of the “Kiss my Asthma” app.
The $1 million in funding will also support the development of best practice guidelines for care and support for young asthma suffers in schools across all states and territories.
We are focused on improving the lives of the many Australians who suffer from asthma.
The Turnbull Government provides support for people with asthma through a range of programs, including research grants, Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
This includes almost $5 million for Asthma Australia and the National Asthma Council, almost half a billion dollars, since 2014, for subsidised medications on PBS for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and more than $202 million on medical research asthma projects since 2007.
The National Asthma Strategy 2018 is available on the National Asthma Council website.
The Federal Government will shortly announce a new Diabetes in School program, which will complement the Asthma in School program.