New treatment for severe corneal inflammation from dry eye disease now listed on PBS
Today (Friday, 1 October, 2021), adults living with severe corneal inflammation from dry eye disease (DED) that has not improved with the use of artificial tears, will gain affordable access to a new, once-daily treatment option on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). In-licensed for the first time in Australia by Seqirus – a wholly-owned subsidiary…
Lack of access to COVID-19 vaccine threatening global immunity
Urgent plea to unite developing nations through vaccinations This week the Immunisation Coalition is issuing an urgent plea to Australians to help close the global COVID-19 vaccination gap by donating to UNICEF Australia in a bid to improve access in lower income countries. To date, the COVID-19 pandemic has devastatingly led to the death of…
My time at VIVA! – Matilda Parkinson
Undergoing any internship, you’re bound to be faced with a host of new challenges and unfamiliar tasks. Coming from a background in academia, my time at VIVA! certainly lived up to that, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and learn from such a wonderful team.…
More research needed for ovarian cancer screening
Did you know that in Australia one woman dies every eight hours from ovarian cancer? Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour in one or both ovaries, which can spread throughout the body if not detected and treated early. Every year, approximately 1,800 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in Australia, making it the eighth most…
Outcomes of Federal Budget 2021-2022
The 2021 – 2022 Federal Budget announcement includes some key changes for the healthcare industry. Notably, this budget delivers the largest investment in aged care and the largest investment in response to a Royal Commission in Australia’s history. The funding will work to afford older Australians greater respect, care and dignity through a five-pillar plan…
World Immunisation Week 2021
As millions of people around the world eagerly await their COVID-19 vaccinations, this year’s World Immunisation Week (WIW), which falls in the last week of April, has come at a fitting time. Organised by the World Health Organization (WHO), this year’s theme is ‘vaccines bring us closer’, aiming to increase global engagement around immunisation, and…
Aussies avoiding what matters most in last stage of life
Experts issuing public health plea for improved communication, acceptance and preparation for last stage of life Of the 160,000 Australian deaths recorded each year, more than 60 per cent (100,000) are predictable, and can therefore, be planned for. Yet concerningly, less than one in six Australians (15 per cent) have care plans in place for…
AUS-first digital platform supporting young Aussies living with incurable movement disorder
More than 20,000 young Aussies (under 50 years of age) living with an incurable movement disorder are set to benefit from the launch of an Australian-first digital support platform today (Thursday, April 8, 2021), ahead of World Parkinson’s Day (Sunday, April 11, 2021). Developed as a ‘living lab’ model, the Young Onset Parkinson’s Exchange (YOP-X)…
World Autism Day
Did you know, approximately 1 in 70 people are considered to be on the autism spectrum? This means it is likely that you have met or will meet someone with autism in your lifetime. It is estimated there are more than 205,000 Australians living with autism, with the prevalence of the disorder on the rise.…
Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness
Today (26th March), the VIVA! team has popped on some purple to mark Purple Day 2021 and raise awareness of the 250,000 Australians living with epilepsy. Started by 9-year-old, Cassidy Megan, Purple Day is a global initiative with the goal of encouraging discussions around the disease, increasing support for those affected, and providing a platform…