Reducing Deaths From Pesticide Poisoning - Establishing A Regional Toxicology Research Centre.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$739,727.00
Summary
The World Health Organization estimates suggest nearly half a million people die from acute pesticide poisoning in the Asia-Pacific region each year. The Sri Lankan project will be the first attempt to systematically test whether a range of strategies can reduce long-term neurological damage and deaths from pesticides. The Australian-Sri Lankan Collaboration will, over the next five years, aim to improve assessment of sub-acute and long-term morbidity; promote 'evidence-based' treatment; develop ....The World Health Organization estimates suggest nearly half a million people die from acute pesticide poisoning in the Asia-Pacific region each year. The Sri Lankan project will be the first attempt to systematically test whether a range of strategies can reduce long-term neurological damage and deaths from pesticides. The Australian-Sri Lankan Collaboration will, over the next five years, aim to improve assessment of sub-acute and long-term morbidity; promote 'evidence-based' treatment; develop new antidotes (and assess their cost effectiveness), and see if pesticide regulation can reduce the rate of severe or fatal poisoning. If successful, this program may become a model for the region as to how to substantially reduce this largely hidden tragedy.Read moreRead less
Blocking Paths To Suicide: A Data Linkage Program To Identify Modifiable Risk Factors For Self-poisoning And Suicide In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$501,205.00
Summary
This research examines the relationship between medicines use and suicide. Some medicines may be more toxic than others and identification of these could allow for targeted restrictions. In addition, medication use practices may influence self-harm and suicide. This research will identify patterns (e.g. non-adherence prior to death, incorrect doses) to pinpoint beneficial or harmful practices. This will improve outcomes and help guide suicide prevention through targeted legislation and policy.
COMPARE:Collaborative Management Platform For Detection And Analyses Of (Re-) Emerging And Foodborne Outbreaks In Europe
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$427,959.00
Summary
COMPARE a large EU project intends to speed up the detection of, and response to disease outbreaks among humans and animals worldwide, through the use of new genome technology and disease-specific information. The aim is to reduce the impact and cost of disease outbreaks. This project allows Australian researchers to participate in this system of detecting and investigating foodborne disease outbreaks that cross international borders.
Understanding The Sources Of Campylobacter In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$546,720.00
Summary
Campylobacter is a key cause of foodborne disease in Australia, with rates of illness amongst the highest in the world. Our project brings together academic, government and industry partners to harness new genetic techniques to better identify sources and risk factors for Campylobacter infection. The project will assist health agencies to include genomics in public health, with findings directly informing government policies and industry practices to minimise disease caused by Campylobacter.
The study builds on strong existing NHMRC funded collaborative links between Sri Lanka and Australia in research which has reduced mortality and provided better evidence for treatment of poisoning. Current measurements of kidney damage are slow to change and insensitive. We will study new ways to measure acute kidney toxicity in people with poisoning and snakebite. We aim to determine whether these new measures are better predictors of the short and long term effects on the kidney.
Comparing The Role Of Takeaways In Methadone Maintenance Treatment In NSW And Victoria
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$291,000.00
Summary
This project will make a direct and major contribution to improving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) provision in Australia. The recent announcement of the continuation of funding for the Federal Government's Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative demonstrates an ongoing commitment to make drug treatment programs more accessible. MMT is currently the primary treatment for opioid addiction in Australia. However, concerns about the potential negative effects of aspects of the programs, in particul ....This project will make a direct and major contribution to improving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) provision in Australia. The recent announcement of the continuation of funding for the Federal Government's Illicit Drug Diversion Initiative demonstrates an ongoing commitment to make drug treatment programs more accessible. MMT is currently the primary treatment for opioid addiction in Australia. However, concerns about the potential negative effects of aspects of the programs, in particular, takeaway dosing and diversion of methadone to street sale (which has been linked to accidental fatal overdose (Lintzeris, et al., 1999)), remain unresolved. This study will map clients', healthcare workers' and policy makers' attitudes towards takeaways in NSW and Victoria, and investigate the dynamics of methadone diversion in relation to the different takeaway policies in the two states. In doing so, the project will consider how the two different state policies on takeaways stack up. It will contribute essential and detailed data on takeaways and diversion, from which effective, safe and socially responsible methadone maintenance treatment policy can be developed.Read moreRead less
Improving Health Outcomes In Drug Overdose And Envenoming: Risk Assessment And Interventional Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,209.00
Summary
The research aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms and treatments for poisoning and envenoming. Observational studies measuring toxin levels will be done to investigate the effects of drug overdose and terrestrial and marine envenoming. Clinical trials will be done to investigate the benefit and safety of antivenom in snake/spider envenoming, antidotes and other treatments for drug overdose, including decontamination such as activated charcoal. Clinical studies will involve multipl ....The research aims to improve our understanding of the mechanisms and treatments for poisoning and envenoming. Observational studies measuring toxin levels will be done to investigate the effects of drug overdose and terrestrial and marine envenoming. Clinical trials will be done to investigate the benefit and safety of antivenom in snake/spider envenoming, antidotes and other treatments for drug overdose, including decontamination such as activated charcoal. Clinical studies will involve multiple hospitals across Australia.Read moreRead less