Stroke Foundation has welcomed Federal Government announcement of a $29 million investment in vital research to tackle two of the nation’s biggest killers – stroke and heart disease.
The funding was the first round of disbursements from the Government’s 10 year, $220 million investment to boost research into heart disease and stroke through the Medical Research Future Fund’s (MRFF) Mission for Cardiovascular Health.
Stroke Foundation Research Advisory Committee Chair Professor Amanda Thrift said stroke could be prevented, it could be treated and it could be beaten – research holds the key.
“Australia is home to some of the world’s leading minds in stroke research, we have led the way in innovative new treatments,’’ Prof Thrift said.
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“Announcement will help us take another step forward in preventing strokes and improving outcomes following a stroke – one of the successful grant recipients may discover the next game-changer in tackling this disease.
“It’s important to recognise research takes time and a great deal of money, but when the breakthroughs come they benefit generations. I applaud the Government for this investment.”
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan said the need to establish a Mission for Cardiovascular Health was born from the development of the National Action Plan for Heart and Stroke by Stroke Foundation and the National Heart Foundation.
The Action Plan, funded by the Federal Government, focuses on implementing evidenced based interventions to prevent, treat and support recovery from heart disease and stroke. Research underpins and drives every element of the Action Plan.
The draft Action Plan is currently under consideration by Government.
“More than 4 million Australians live with heart disease and stroke and combined, it remains this country’s biggest killer. We cannot be complacent about the need to drive better outcomes for the many thousands of people affected by heart disease and stroke every year,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“There is still so much about these diseases we don’t know.
“The Cardiovascular Health Mission will support our best and brightest researchers to make discoveries through prevention strategies, earlier detection and improved outcomes for patients suffering a stroke or heart attack.
“It brings together researchers, health professionals, industry and patients to make transformative improvements in heart and vascular health and stroke for all Australians,” she said.
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