Australian Institute expands for better health in India
The George Institute for International Health extends into Asia-Pacific region
The George Institute for International Health, a not-for-profit health research institute, based in Sydney, Australia, today announced the launch of The George Institute, India in Hyderabad. The Institute will conduct a landmark group of studies that will provide answers on how to improve health and manage major diseases in India in a sustainable manner through a more effective health system. The occasion marks a major expansion of Australian health expertise into the Asia Pacific region following the recent opening of The George Institute, China in May of this year.
More than 600,000 Australians and more than 250 million people worldwide have type 2 diabetes, and most will eventually die or be disabled by the complications due to cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for more than 16 million deaths annually. The majority of these deaths now occur in developing countries such as India, where rates of heart attack and stroke have ballooned in the last few decades. In addition, because cardiovascular diseases occur earlier in life in developing regions, the economic impact is enormous. It is estimated that cardiovascular conditions will trim more that 1% from India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2015.
In 2006, the United Nations called for increased international action to combat the global epidemic of diabetes. The WHO state that if appropriate action is not taken, by 2015, an estimated 20 million people will die from cardiovascular disease every year, mainly from heart attacks and strokes. The new Institute will address these and other health challenges in India such as obesity, HIV/AIDS and injury.
Announcing the launch, Professor Lalit Dandona, Senior Director of The George Institute, India said today, "The George Institute is rich with expertise in population health. We are well equipped to work towards systematic long-term health improvements of the Indian population in collaboration with major Indian partners and the University of Sydney. We will undertake large-scale health research projects and help apply the findings to boost relevant health programmes in India." Professor Dandona is also Chair of International Public Health at the University of Sydney School of Public Health.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), The George Institute and The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine was signed today. "We are proud to be partnering with ICMR and The University of Sydney to further strengthen our commitment to India. We hope that, with this partnership with the Government of India through ICMR, and with subsequent partnerships with a range of stakeholders in India, we can contribute to radical improvements in the lives of Indians," said Professor Dandona.
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Bruce Robinson, Dean at the University of Sydney said, "The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney is internationally regarded for its cutting-edge education and research across the full spectrum of health and medical sciences including basic, clinical and public health disciplines. The George Institute has been affiliated with the University since its inception, and this partnership gives us another opportunity to work closely with The George Institute in India to contribute to better health of the people in India."
The three partners have expressed interest in developing broad ranging collaborations in health/medical research and teaching and its application to improve population health and health systems in India.
About The George Institute
The George Institute for International Health is a not-for-profit institution that works towards improvement and development of global health through undertaking high quality research, and applying this research to health policy and practice. Through key affiliations around the globe, and collaborations with a network of highly capable organisations that provide regional, national and local expertise and resources, the Institute extends its ability to carry out important health projects. With its global partners, multi-disciplinary faculty and worldwide programs, The George Institute is uniquely placed to deliver results in a diverse range of economic, ethnic and cultural situations. The George Institute is affiliated with The University of Sydney.
About ICMR
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), based in New Delhi, India is the apex body for the formulation, coordination and promotion of medical/health research in India. The ICMR has consolidated and intensified research on important communicable and non-communicable diseases, reproductive health and nutrition, traditional medicine and upcoming fields of bioinformatics and communication. It works very closely with the national programmes of the Indian government, which have well defined targets for control, elimination and eradication of various diseases.
About The University of Sydney
The George Institute is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney. The faculty is Australia's oldest and largest medical faculty undertaking teaching and research in health and medicine of international standing. They are internationally regarded for their cutting-edge education and research in the full spectrum of health and medical sciences including basic, clinical and public health disciplines. The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Sydney is renowned for a wide variety of research and teaching skills and activities in public health.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Media enquiries to The George Institute for International Health:
In Australia: Janet Hall mob 0411187808 janethall@bigpond.com
International: Emma Orpilla mob (+61) 10 411 983 eorpilla@george.org.au