Millions of Australians with arthritis will have renewed hope for their futures as the government unveils millions of dollars in funding to tackle the painful condition.
With about one in four Australians living with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, the government will spend $100 million over 10 years to establish a research mission.
The mission aims to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the debilitating condition by combining researchers, health professionals, industry partners and patients.
“This mission will drive the research breakthroughs we so urgently need — from earlier diagnosis, improved treatments, to the hope of cures,” Arthritis Australia chief executive Louise Hardy said.
“This is a truly historic day for our community. The announcement of a (mission) gives hope to millions of Australians of all ages living with the pain of arthritis.”
Arthritis is an umbrella term for about 100 conditions which affect joints, but it can also impact the skin, eyes, muscles and internal organs.
People living with the incurable disease often experience symptoms of joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Despite being known as a condition that older people contract, it most commonly develops in toddlers as young as 14 months old, or young teens.
Arthritis Australia says the loss of personal income is projected to hit $2.6 billion by 2030 because of the disease, costing governments more than $1 billion in extra welfare payments and lost taxation revenue.
With arthritis tipped to continue its rise over the next decade, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the funding was vital.
“For millions of Australians, living with arthritis isn’t just an ache or pain, it affects their ability to work, to stay active and to enjoy everyday life,” he said in a statement.
“It will back Australian researchers to develop better treatments, improve diagnosis and help find the breakthroughs patients have been waiting for.”
The funding comes from a broader allocation in the federal budget as the government plans to spend more than half a billion dollars to boost the Medical Research Future Fund.
“We have world-class researchers in Australia whose ideas could transform health outcomes for future generations,” Health Minister Mark Butler said.