Federal Election 2022
Prevent Chronic Disease. Fund National Strategies.
Invest in Prevention
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the value of investing in prevention
Vaccination, testing, contact tracing, mask-wearing and physical distancing have been crucial to reduce the impact of COVID-19 in Australia. But no single public health intervention is enough on its own and there needs to be long-term investment for sustained impact.
Chronic conditions require a similar commitment to long-term investment and action
1 in 2 Australians have a chronic disease. 1 in 5 Australians have multiple chronic conditions. Many conditions share risk factors and interact to increase risk.
Nearly 40% of chronic disease could be prevented by reducing risk factors. There are many cost-effective approaches to reduce chronic disease risk but more funding is needed.
National strategies and action plans provide a roadmap to prevent chronic disease and support people with existing conditions
In the past five years, numerous chronic disease strategies and actions plans have been developed. Thousands of community members, health professionals, and experts have shared their personal stories and research in the hope of a better future.
The strategies contain solutions to reduce risk factors and improve treatment outcomes, based on evidence and expert input. But many are underfunded or delayed, limiting their impact.
Like COVID-19, chronic conditions need ongoing investment for a combination of interventions to achieve real, long-term change. Urgent funding for national strategies is needed to prevent and reduce risk factors and improve treatment outcomes for people living with chronic disease.
Action required:
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Fund and implement national strategies to prevent chronic disease and improve the long-term health of Australians.
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Increase investment in prevention to 5% of national health spending.
Download the full ACDPA election platform:
Federal Election 2022. Prevent Chronic Disease
National strategies &
action plans
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National Preventive Health Strategy 2021-2030
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National Obesity Strategy (2022)
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Primary Health Care 10-Year Plan 2022-2032
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National Diabetes Strategy 2021-2030
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National Strategic Action Plan for Heart Disease and Stroke (2021)
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National Strategic Action Plan for Kidney Disease (2020)
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National Alcohol Strategy 2019-2028
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National Sport Plan 2030
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National Tobacco Strategy - expired in 2018, awaiting new strategy
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National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions (2017)
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National Women's Health Strategy 2020-2030
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National Men's Health Strategy 2020-2030
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National Action Plan for the Health of Children and Young People: 2020-2030
Chronic diseases:
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Are the leading cause of death and disability in Australia.
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Account for 1 in 2 hospitalisations.
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Cost the health system $38 billion each year.
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Cost $2 billion in preventable hospitalisations each year.
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Affect nearly 1 in 2 Australians. 1 in 5 Australians live with multiple conditions.
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Could be largely prevented with funding to improve environments and change behaviours.
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Have cost-effective approaches to prevent disease and reduce risk factors. But current spending on prevention is less than 2% of the national health budget.
