$3.3m funding boost for rare disease research
Research into more accurate diagnosis of 7000 rare diseases affecting two million Australians - including cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease and a range of childhood cancers - has received a significant boost.
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Millions of dollars will be spent over the next three years to promote awareness and fund research into more accurate diagnosis of rare diseases.
The $3.3 million boost, to be announced today, will enable organisations to put into action plans outlined in the National Strategic Action Plan for Rare Diseases.
Rare diseases include Cystic Fibrosis, Huntington’s disease and a range of childhood cancers.
There are more than 7000 known rare diseases and they affect approximately two million Aussies.
About 80 per cent are genetically linked but more information is needed, according to Mr Hunt.
“Rare diseases are having a major impact on individuals and families across Australia,” health minister Greg Hunt said.
“They cause great uncertainty, frustration and fear, raising a myriad of questions, with few answers.”
The federal government awarded $170,000 to rare diseases peak body Rare Voices Australia to develop the action plan and they will receive a further $1 million as part of today’s announcement to fund their ongoing work.
The remaining $2.3 million will be shared between organisations to develop new education resources for medical workers and to support people with rare diseases.