Australia has world class expertise in research and innovation as well as a strong track record in investing in global multilateral health initiatives. However it is increasingly vulnerable to international health threats from climate change, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and vaccine-preventable diseases. The combination of US President Donald Trump’s cuts to global health programs and bio-medical research, and our own historical limited investment in key areas creates alarming vulnerabilities according to landmark research released today.
The two critical reports, commissioned by the Australian Global Health Alliance and Pacific Friends of Global Health, highlight the need to not just maintain but also increase support for the nation’s preparedness to understand, anticipate and respond to emerging health threats. Pandemic preparedness and Anti Microbial Resistance (AMR), further fueled by climate change, are both issues flagged by health experts as some of the greatest threats to global health security.
One report, titled Mapping the Australian Landscape for Global Health Research, reveals the country’s health research funding remains low despite continued warnings from recent health crises.
It suggests that Australia did not learn any “crucial lessons” from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The report identifies a gap in Australia’s funding for the impact of climate change on public health. It highlights that just AUD $7 million, less than 0.5% of Australia’s nearly $2 billion global health research budget was explicitly set aside for climate-related health risks from 2017 to 2023.
The report calls for prompt realignment of health research priorities emphasizing that investing in global health research benefits Australia as much if not more than it does other countries in our region.
A second report, titled Multilateral Health Partnerships: The Value of Australia’s Support for Gavi and The Global Fund in the Indo-Pacific Region, documents the very positive impact and return on investment that Australia’s support for these two large, global public private partnerships has had.
This report found that for every dollar the Australian Government invests in the Global Fund, the Fund is able to invest $13.60 in the Indo-Pacific region. Further to this, Gavis’ achieved significant vaccine price reductions, “DTP-HepB-Hib” market price approximately sits between US$11-13 per dose, yet Gavi is able to purchase for under US$3 per dose saving 75% of cost price. As other funders pull back Australia should step forward.
“As the US administration dramatically steps back from global health leadership, Australia has a critical opportunity to convene and partner with Asia Pacific countries to advance the health priorities of the region,” Professor Brendan Crabb, Chair of Pacific Friends of Global Health and CEO of the Burnet Institute said.
Selina Namchee Lo, executive director of the Australian Global Health Alliance said: “While the reports identify clear gaps in funding global health, Australia has world class expertise in research and innovation as well as a strong track record in investing in global multilateral health initiatives. This unique combination stands us in good stead to contribute to regional health security that delivers for all."
Helen Evans Professor (Hon), the Nossal Institute, said: “We need immediate increases in global health research funding, targeted investment in climate-related health risks and strengthened support for multilateral health organisations to safeguard Australia’s regional and global health security.”
Contact details:
Nick Lucchinelli 0422 229 032 // Lauren Ferri 0422 581 506