Crohn’s and Colitis Australia Joins Coalition to Advocate for Increased Funding for Preventive Health

26 November 2024 – Today, Crohn’s and Colitis Australia (CCA), alongside almost 20 other leading consumer health organisations, proudly joins the newly formed Coalition for Preventative Health Funding (CPHF) The CPHF is calling on the federal government to commit to greater investment in Australia’s preventive health efforts.

Leanne Raven, CEO of Crohn’s and Colitis Australia, stressed the importance of preventive health measures, particularly for Australians living with chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. “For people living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), prevention isn’t just about avoiding new illnesses—it’s about actively managing their conditions and reducing complications. This is why investing in preventive care is so important. It can reduce flare-ups, prevent long-term health deterioration, and improve the quality of life for those affected.”

The CPHF’s call for increased funding is in direct alignment with CCA’s advocacy for a multifaceted approach to IBD care. CCA’s IBD Research Priorities Project, which was codesigned with healthcare clinicians and people living with IBD, highlights two critical areas that must be addressed to improve outcomes for people with Crohn’s and colitis: preventing active disease and investing in research toward a cure.

Preventing Active Disease

Best practice, multidisciplinary care plays a vital role in preventing disease progression, acute illness, and costly complications. For people living with IBD, prevention—addressing issues before they become major health crises—should be prioritised while the search for a cure continues. Effective prevention can alleviate both the high personal cost of living with IBD and the financial burden placed on the healthcare system.

“We know that the costs of disease progression are not just financial but deeply personal for people with IBD,” says Leanne Raven. “Investing in proactive care to prevent complications before they arise is key to reducing both healthcare expenses and the suffering that comes with it.”  

High-Value Multidisciplinary Care for People with IBD

The CPHF also advocates for high-value, multidisciplinary care that supports people with IBD in minimising their risk of developing other conditions. Many individuals with IBD are at a higher risk for developing comorbidities due to the nature of the disease and its treatments, which can often compromise the immune system. In fact, studies show that 45% of people with IBD had a significant comorbid disease according to the IBD Audit 2016, and it’s estimated that 50% of people with chronic diseases live with two or more conditions.  This highlights the importance of providing comprehensive care that addresses not just the primary condition but the broader health risks people with IBD face.

“There are many preventable conditions that affect people with IBD, such as vaccinationpreventable diseases like shingles, which disproportionately impact this immunocompromised group,” Leanne Raven explained. “Addressing these risks through targeted prevention programs can significantly improve their overall health and quality of life.”

Investing in Research for a Cure

Finally, Crohn’s and Colitis Australia strongly believes in the importance of investing in research for a cure. CCA’s IBD Research Priorities Project, developed through a codesign process with healthcare clinicians and people living with IBD, underscores the urgent need to accelerate research into the causes, treatment, and ultimately the cure for these debilitating diseases. “We are committed to ensuring that one day, future generations of Australians will be free from the burden of Crohn’s and colitis,” said Raven. “Research is critical, not just for managing the disease, but for finding lasting solutions.”

The CPHF is asking for four key commitments from the Government:

1. Commit 5% of the health budget to preventive health, with a focus on chronic disease management and prevention, including IBD.
2. Involve the CPHF in co-designing how these funds are allocated to ensure the needs of people with chronic conditions like IBD are met.
3. Ensure that the 5% funding flows directly to CPHF members to support communitybased preventive health programs and research initiatives.
4. Fund a Secretariat to help administer the CPHF’s efforts and coordinate the delivery of preventive care.

Leanne Raven: “As part of the Coalition for Preventative Health Funding, Crohn’s and Colitis Australia is dedicated to amplifying the voices of those living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. We are calling on Members of Parliament and Senators to support this critical investment in preventive health and research for a cure. Together, we can ensure that Australians living with IBD, as well as future generations, will have the tools, resources, and care they need to live healthy, fulfilling lives free from the burden of these chronic diseases. We believe that this is a pivotal moment to drive change, and there is no better place to make this call than from within the heart of Parliament House. Preventive health and investment in a cure must be a priority.”

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For media enquiries contact Sarah Thyssen on [email protected].

ABOUT CROHN’S & COLITIS AUSTRALIA

Crohn’s & Colitis Australia (CCA) has been the peak organisation working with people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, healthcare professionals, governments and the public to minimise the impact that these conditions have on the community since 1985. In that time, CCA has been advocating for patients and their families, educating the doctors that treat them, and the policymakers who can bring about change. CCA provides high quality information, supports life-changing research and campaigns vigorously – for more knowledge, better services and more support for people affected by inflammatory bowel disease to improve their quality of life. For more information, visit: https://www.crohnsandcolitis.org.au/.