Federal Government announces funding of $500k for National Allergy Strategy implementation
The federal government’s funding of the National Allergy Strategy was announced at the launch of Food Allergy Week 2016 in Sydney, by the Minister for Health, the Hon Sussan Ley MP.
This funding will provide support for the implementation of what has been identified as the three most urgent National Allergy Strategy initiatives.
1. Standardising drug allergy management
There are several issues regarding drug allergy that require urgent attention which will improve patient outcomes, reduce allergy specialist waiting times for more timely access for individuals with more complex diagnosis and management and reduce the use of more expensive antibiotic medications.
The government funding will enable the scoping of drug allergy issues occurring within hospitals and the broader community as well as identify areas of need regarding education for health professionals.
2. Improving allergy management for teens and young adults
Teens and young adults are a high risk group for fatal anaphylaxis. There are limited resources for this group and effective ways of educating are urgently required.
The government funding will provide the opportunity to engage with teens and young adults and determine effective communication and education methods. Urgently needed resources, targeted specifically at teens and young adults will be developed based on the outcomes of these discussions.
3. Allergy management in food service including in the hospital setting.
Whilst we will continue to educate consumers with food allergy on appropriate management and communication when eating food outside the home, the aim of this initiative is to improve the provision of appropriate food to individuals with food allergy, in the food service sector.
The government funding will enable discussions with key stakeholder organisations in the food service sector to identify the most effective methods for improving appropriate food provision for individuals with food allergy. These discussions will help inform and enable education resource development.
For further information, contact the National Allergy Strategy project officer:
Food Allergy Week
Food Allergy Week (FAW) aims to raise awareness of food allergy including potentially fatal food allergies. Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA) is calling on all Australians to unite during Food Allergy Week from 15-21 May 2016, and for individuals to Be Aware. Show You Care. For more information visit: http://www.foodallergyaware.com.au