Real-life stories show true value of medicines
A new publication released today by Medicines Australia demonstrates the impact innovative new medicines and vaccines have had in tackling illness and disease in Australia.
Innovating for Life was launched by Medicines Australia Chairman Will Delaat at the National Press Club this afternoon.
The book shows how the lives of a handful of ordinary Australians have been affected by asthma, stroke, HIV/AIDS, depression, breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and childhood infectious disease, and illustrates the benefits of the respective medicines and vaccines used in their treatment.
“Innovating for Life brings together a collection of real stories about real Australians confronting their health challenges,” Mr Delaat said.
“These are the powerful personal stories which definitively demonstrate the value of medicines and vaccines.”
Innovating for Life tracks the progress in tackling some of the major diseases afflicting Australians today:
- Since 1996 the number of hospital days due to asthma has more than halved.
- In the 11 years following the introduction of highly active anti-retroviral therapy in Australia in 1996, the number of HIV-AIDS deaths fell by 87 per cent.
- Survival rates for some common cancers have increased by between 15 and 20 per cent since the mid-1980s.
- Life expectancy in Australia has risen from 69 years in 1948 to 81 years today.
“Medicines have made a major contribution to these success stories. They save lives, reduce pain and prevent disease,” Mr Delaat said.
“That is why access to medicines is so important. It is why the pharmaceutical industry and the Government must continue to work together to ensure all Australians have timely access to the medicines they need.”
Innovating for Life will be available free for doctors’ surgeries and waiting rooms across Australia, and to key stakeholders in the healthcare sector. It is also downloadable from here
Hard copies can also be ordered by email OR by phoning (02) 6122 8500
Contact Person:
Jamie Nicholson
Media Communications Manager
Phone: 0419 220 293
Email: Jamie.Nicholson@medicinesaustralia.com.au