The strategy explores health inequality between diverse populations of Australian women and girls, identifies priority areas for women's health and makes clear recommendations about ways to improve health outcomes for women and girls in Australia. The consultation process attracted more than 225 written submissions from a wide variety of stakeholders and involved meetings with every State and Territory Government.
"It's very pleasing to see this detailed and coherent strategy built on the excellent work involved in the 2010 Women's Health Policy," says David Lloyd, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women's Health. "I was struck by the goodwill and enthusiasm stakeholders brought to the consultative process. I believe the resulting strategy will contribute to the improvement of health outcomes for women across Australia for many years to come."
Mr Lloyd says it was particularly pleasing to see more than $52 million in funding allocated to organisations dedicated to improving women's health, with more than $10 million going to endometriosis research and support. A further $20 million will go to ovarian cancer research, under the Medical Research Future Fund. Other funds are allocated to organisations supporting the health and wellbeing women and families, including Jean Hailes for Women's Health.
"We see the strategy as a very useful roadmap for the development of our own plans," says Mr Lloyd. "Like many other organisations with an interest in women's health, we will draw on the ideas in this strategy to guide our own efforts for many years."
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Jean Hailes for Women's Health is a national not-for-profit organisation committed to improving women's knowledge and understanding of complex health issues. Jean Hailes has a unique model, combining medical clinics, research and a department that translates the latest health findings into practical, accessible information on our website, through resources, educational programs and health professional events. Jean Hailes produces trusted evidence-based information reviewed by our in-house team of clinicians. In 2016, Jean Hailes was officially recognised as the Federal Government's national digital gateway for women's health.
The strategy can be downloaded here.
For more information on Jean Hailes or to arrange an interview, please contact Janelle Carrigan on 0409 939 920 or email media@jeanhailes.org.au
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