The Australian Government has unveiled a new national framework and $110 million grants program aimed at preventing chronic conditions and improving care for Australians living with long-term illness.
The funding will be delivered over three years through the Chronic Conditions Prevention and Integrated Care Grants Program and coincides with the launch of the refreshed National Strategic Framework for Chronic Conditions 2026 to 2035. The framework outlines a coordinated national approach to preventing chronic disease and improving care for people already living with complex health conditions.
Chronic conditions remain the dominant health challenge facing Australia. Almost two thirds of Australians are living with at least one chronic condition and more than one third are managing two or more.
The updated framework identifies five priority focus areas including health promotion and education supporting prevention and self management of risk factors and conditions.
That focus strongly aligns with the work of Diabetes Australia, which supports people living with diabetes and works to prevent complications through education, advocacy and improved access to care.
Diabetes is one of the most complex and costly chronic conditions in the country. In addition to the impact on individuals, diabetes currently costs the Australian health system an estimated $14.2 billion each year and those costs are projected to rise to $45 billion annually by 2050 without stronger action on prevention and management.
Experts say investments in prevention, early intervention and self management can significantly reduce serious diabetes complications including amputations, kidney failure, vision loss and heart disease.
Strengthening health promotion and education programs is also critical to helping people manage risk factors and maintain healthier lives.
Programs delivered through Diabetes Australia focus on prevention, supporting people to better understand diabetes, managing their condition day to day, and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
Health leaders say stronger national coordination through the new strategic framework presents an opportunity to improve outcomes for millions of Australians while easing pressure on the health system.
