NHMRC is injecting $10.5 million into Australian health and medical research funding to address strategies for supporting health systems to improve equitable health outcomes globally.
Under the 2025 NHMRC and Global Alliance for Chronic Disease (GACD) funding call, 5 research teams will focus on implementation science to address equity in high quality care and health outcomes. This research aims to reduce the prevalence and impact of chronic non communicable diseases (NCDs) among low and middle income countries (LMICs) and/or in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities in Australia.
Professor Gillian Gould from Southern Cross University will lead the SISTACARE project, aiming to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies by making culturally safe smoking and vaping cessation care a routine part of health services.
The project involves Aboriginal leaders and health experts and will work with hospitals and Aboriginal health services to improve care, reduce health risks, and support long term community health.
Dr Tilahun Nigatu Haregu of the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute will lead a health program, STRIDES, to improve care for people with chronic diseases in South Africa and Uganda.
By training local health teams, using digital tools, and involving communities, Dr Haregu’s aim is to make care more effective, affordable and easier to access. The research will also test how the model can be expanded to help more people across Africa and other LMICs.
The GACD is an international network of health and medical research funding agencies that supports joint research activities on chronic NCDs in LMICs and in underserved groups experiencing health disparities in high income countries.
All funding details can be downloaded on NHMRC’s outcomes of funding rounds webpage.
Quotes attributable to NHMRC CEO, Professor Steve Wesselingh:
- ‘By partnering with GACD, NHMRC is able to support international joint funding initiatives and bolster research expertise that tackles the worldwide burden of chronic non communicable diseases.
- ‘Australian health and medical researchers are renowned for their innovative approaches, and it’s great to see their work recognised and making an impact on the global stage.
- ‘Well done to all who have secured funding– this research marks a vital move towards better health care for people living with chronic health conditions and who experience health inequities.’