CANBERRA, June 11 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government on Thursday announced a 10-year funding commitment for research into arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Health Minister Mark Butler said in a joint statement that the federal government will spend 100 million Australian dollars (about 70 million U.S. dollars) over 10 years to establish and fund a new arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions research mission.
They said that the mission, which will be established through the existing Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF), will bring together researchers and health professionals with industry partners and patients to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the conditions.
According to Arthritis Australia, 4.11 million Australians have arthritis and over 7 million live with either arthritis or a musculoskeletal condition.
The peak body projects that the number of Australians with arthritis will rise to 5.39 million by 2040.
Albanese said on Thursday that the new funding will be a "game changer for Australians living with Arthritis."
"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.
The federal budget for 2026-27 handed down by the government in May included 508.5 million AUD over four years to increase investment in medical research through the MRFF. ■
