Acknowledgement Of Country

We respect First Nations peoples and their enduring connection to country – to the land, air, waterways, oceans, animals and plants – and recognise the wisdom and culture that has seen them thrive for thousands of years. We recognise that sovereignty was never ceded, and, with humility and courage, wholeheartedly commit heads, hearts and hands to a path of healing, restitution and justice, embracing the wisdom of those who can guide us. We will fulfil our responsibility with honesty and integrity, we will challenge injustice, and - in all of this - we will hold ourselves accountable.

Chronic Disease Prevention

Chronic diseases are conditions that are long lasting with persistent effects. They can have a range of physical, social and economic effects on a person’s quality of life.

Priorities for Women's Preventive Health

In Australia, chronic conditions are the leading cause of illness and disability, and they place a significant burden on individuals, families and carers, the community and the health system

There are three key priorities for chronic conditions and preventive health:

  1. Increase awareness and primary prevention of chronic conditions and associated risk factors for women and girls and embed a life course approach in policy and practice
  2. Invest in targeted prevention, timely detection and intervention of chronic conditions affecting women and girls
  3. Tailor health services to meet the needs of all women and girls

Raising Awareness of Chronic Illness in Women and Girls

WHWBSW aim to address chronic disease’s for women and girls by increasing awareness of symptoms and risk factors, and working towards the prevention of chronic diseases across the region.

Examples of chronic diseases include:

  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Back pain and problems
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • Diabetes

While chronic conditions are of concern for both men and women, there are differences in how some chronic conditions can affect different people in society. In 2016, Alzheimer disease and dementia was the leading causes of death for women, accounting for 11 per cent of deaths.