The George Institute calls for Equity to be at heart of the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy and Priorities

The George Institute for Global Health submission to the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy and Priorities calls for ‘Equity’ to be at the heart of the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy and Priorities. The Strategy and Priorities are determined by the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB). The new Strategy will be from 2021 to 2027, with new Priorities from 2021 to 2024. This will be finalised based on legislation passed by the Parliament before the end of 2021.

The George Institute believes equity is critical to the Australian health system. Equity is required for individuals and communities to reach their full potential in life. All individuals and communities in Australia and around the world should have access to quality healthcare services as a human right, regardless of sex and gender, ethnicity, disability, age, geography, intersectionality, and socioeconomic status. Disappointingly, inequity exists in the Australian health system, particularly in gender, ethnicity and geography. The lack of access by individuals and communities to quality healthcare creates barriers and risks. The next MRFF Strategy should play an important and strategic role to address inequities.

The George Institute has also called for:

• The Strategy should align with the Medical research Future Fund 10 Year Plan and Priorities, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Australian Research Council, and Department of Health strategies.
• New priorities to include:
  • ‘Sex and Gender in Research’.
  • ‘Global health challenges’ separate from ‘Pandemic and health crisis preparedness’.
  • ‘Planetary and human health’.
• ‘Sepsis’ be acknowledged under the current priority, ‘Antimicrobial resistance’.
• A comprehensive review and report in relation to current Priorities.