New data analysis by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has shown the devastating
effects of living with two or more chronic conditions, prompting renewed calls by health groups
for Government commitment to tackle chronic disease.

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death in Australia. One in two Australians have a
chronic disease and 4.9 million Australians have multiple chronic conditions, known as
multimorbidity.

The new analysis, released today, reveals the progressive worsening of health associated with
multiple chronic conditions. People living with multimorbidity are more likely to experience
chronic pain, psychological distress, and restrictions or limitations in everyday activities. They
also have poorer self-assessed health and are less likely to work compared to people with no
conditions or a single chronic condition.

In response to the new analysis, the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance is calling on
the Government to increase investment in prevention, risk assessment and early detection of
chronic disease to reduce the enormous burden of these conditions across the population.
Chair of the Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance Sharon McGowan said the effects of
multiple chronic conditions are far-reaching and urgent action is required to help people reduce
their risk.

“We know that people with chronic conditions experience a range of challenges associated with
their condition, and these are exacerbated for people with two or more conditions,” said Ms
McGowan.

“Chronic diseases can be largely prevented or reduced through risk assessment and
management of risk, but there needs to be urgent Government commitment and investment to
achieve this,” said Ms McGowan.

Ms McGowan continued, “We welcome the $1.9 million in the 2021-22 budget for preventive
health research and scoping activities, including a national health literacy strategy, to inform a
National Preventive Health Strategy, but this falls short of the investment needed to address the
the increasing burden of chronic disease and its enormous impact on the lives of Australians.”
The new analysis demonstrated the interconnected web of chronic disease, including strong
links between chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers.
Ms McGowan highlighted that many chronic conditions do not occur in isolation, and there needs
to be a more holistic approach to reduce chronic disease.

Ms McGowan said, “Many chronic diseases share risk factors and interact to increase risk.
Australians should be supported to understand and manage their risk to reduce complications,
disease progression and the long-term effects of multiple chronic conditions.”

The Australian Chronic Disease Prevention Alliance is calling on the Government to include
concrete targets and actions for chronic disease prevention, risk assessment, and early
detection in the national prevention and primary care strategies.

Ms McGowan said, “The national prevention and primary care strategies are huge opportunities
and a great step forward, but these strategies need to be backed by Government commitment to
invest in chronic disease and the long-term health of Australians.