Foreword

The problem of asthma in Australia is known and documented. The strategies for action outlined in this report will put into effect the National Asthma Strategy, Goals and Targets published by the National Asthma Campaign in 1994. The strategies have been developed by a broadbased steering group, representative of the major bodies in asthma.

The next step in the whole process will be to prioritise the strategies and identify the organisations which need to work together to implement them. Suggestions have been made in the report as to which groups could be involved in the implementation of the various strategies. These proposals will need to be refined and each group consulted as part of the implementation process.

Discussion has begun on the need to make asthma the sixth national health priority, to follow on from cardiovascular health, cancer control, injury prevention and control, mental health and diabetes. Asthma is certainly in this group in terms of morbidity, mortality and cost.

We already have a good track record in achieving improvements in asthma management. The National Asthma Campaign's national epidemiological surveys of 1990 and 1993 showed improvement in the asthma management practices of adults in that period and significant improvements in children. We need to further redefine the impact of asthma on the quality of life of people with asthma, their families, carers and the community. All our concerted efforts do have an effect and would be greatly enhanced by greater resources and the establishment of asthma as a health priority.

 RON BRITTAIN

Chairman

National Asthma Campaign