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About

Healthy Canberra: ACT Preventive Health Plan 2020-2025 aims to prevent chronic diseases by supporting people to choose lifestyle behaviours that reduce their risk of developing preventable diseases. It is implemented through a series of 3‑year action plans and consultation about the next action plan is underway. Liam Ryan will discuss the context and background to the plan, and action the ACT Government is proposing to support people to enjoy good health throughout life. This seminar provides a chance to engage with ACT policymakers as they shape this important chronic disease prevention plan.

Background

While people in the ACT have the highest life expectancy in Australia, nearly half of Canberra adults live with one or more chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancers or mental health conditions.

Nevertheless, hope lies in evidence indicating that a significant portion of the disease burden is preventable through targeted efforts. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Burden of Disease Study found that 38% of the total burden of disease in Australia in 2018 could be prevented by addressing modifiable risk factors. 

The top 5 risk factors contributing to the burden of disease nationally in 2018, namely tobacco use, overweight (including obesity), dietary risks, high blood pressure, and alcohol use, were all considered modifiable. This knowledge forms the basis for priority actions in the ACT Preventive Health Action Plan, which champions a life course approach to prevention, reaching from the early year in life to an older age.