A major funding boost will expand digital health solutions for complex care in the Northern Territory (NT), thanks to a joint investment from Diabetes Australia and Lilly Australia, in partnership with Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies).  

The grant of $680,000 will enable Menzies to expand its innovative work to address leading health complications for Territorians, including diabetes, cardiovascular and kidney disease.  

It will also see investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce capacity, through the establishment of two identified research positions based at Menzies.  

In partnership with government, community-controlled and private health services across the NT, Menzies has built a clinical information system that integrates and synthesises health data from previously siloed medical records. The groundbreaking system, known as Territory Kidney Care (TKC), is already used by more than 1500 clinicians to support patients in the NT.  

This new collaboration will enable Menzies to strengthen TKC’s capabilities, providing technology-enabled models of care that enhance co-ordination of healthcare. This will be particularly valuable for people living with multiple chronic conditions, where a more integrated approach will support better health outcomes.  

Diabetes Australia’s Group CEO Justine Cain said the investment reflected a deep commitment to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and to delivering local, culturally safe services.  

“Kidney health is key to ongoing diabetes care and is a key indicator of health and complication outcomes. Diabetes shouldn’t cost your kidneys.” Ms Cain said.  

“It is completely unacceptable that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities continue to be disproportionally impacted by diabetes. Diabetes Australia is committed to real change that will support healthier futures.  

“We’re proud to partner with Lilly Australia and Menzies School of Health Research to directly support communities where kidney, diabetes and heart healthcare is greatly needed.” 

Manny Simons, General Manager of Eli Lilly (Lilly) Australia said, “No one organisation can solve the complex challenges of diabetes, kidney and cardiovascular disease.” 

“At Lilly, we are committed to supporting initiatives that address health inequities and improve access to more connected, coordinated care. This investment reflects our belief that locally led, evidence-based solutions can improve health outcomes and inform future models of care across Australia.” 

Menzies School of Health Research’s Director, Professor Alan Cass said, “too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Northern Territory are impacted by diabetes, kidney and heart disease.” 

“TKC has brought together research, health service, government and community partners to develop a clinical decision support and data sharing platform to provide the best care to people with complex chronic disease. Together we are working to Close the Gap and reduce the ever-increasing number of people needing dialysis across remote Australia,” he said. 

Lilly Australia will contribute $430,000 and Diabetes Australia will contribute $250,000 to this partnership.