NEWS $5.6m on health research

natasha.emeck@news.com.au

HEALTH Minister Greg Hunt says the Federal Government will invest $5.6 million in the NT for medical research, including two infectious disease projects that could help us better understand COVID-19.

Mr Hunt said four new NT projects would get funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council, with a grant through the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

He said $1.6 million would go towards two new infectious diseases research projects on influenza and pneumonia that could contribute to our understanding of COVID-19.

“Medical research plays a vital role in our national health system,” Mr Hunt said.

“Australian researchers continue to innovate, even during these almost unprecedented times, and this $5.6 million investment in the Northern Territory will continue the proud Australian tradition of medical discovery and translation into better health for all.”

The Menzies School of Health Research will be provided with $1.1 million to work towards the elimination of chronic hepatitis B in the Territory.

NT senator Sam McMahon said the research would “greatly improve clinical outcomes for patients with hepatitis B and the broader community”.

“We know the hard work

Territorian healthcare workers do in our community,” Ms McMahon said.

“Indigenous Australians in particular are disproportionately affected by chronic hepatitis B infection and more work can now be done to assist them in fighting this condition.

“Working in partnership with the Aboriginal community to create improved, culturally safe care for individuals living with hepatitis B is paramount to continued reduction in those affected by this disease.”

In addition, the Menzies School of Health Research will receive $2.5 million to slow the progression of type 2 diabetes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, through early-life prevention.