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Monash University SDG Report 2024
Monash Report 2024 – Goal 3
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Mitigating malaria and other disease risk in Indonesia's new capital city View

Dr Henry Surendra, Associate Professor and coordinator of the Master of Public Health program at Monash University, Indonesia, led a study published in Nature Communications on mitigating the risks of malaria and other vector-borne diseases in Indonesia's new capital city, Ibu Kota Nusantara (IKN). The study, conducted in collaboration with international and local stakeholders, emphasises the importance of cross-disciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration to reduce malaria cases and protect vulnerable groups.

The research highlights the need for further studies on environmental changes, vector behaviour and human mobility, and suggests leveraging technology for real-time monitoring to improve spatial planning. The relocation of Indonesia's capital to East Kalimantan Province on the island of Borneo presents an opportunity to integrate infectious disease surveillance into infrastructure projects, serving as a model for sustainable urban development worldwide.

Read the full article in Monash Indonesia News

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$3 million to support the elimination of dengue fever in Laos View

Monash University’s World Mosquito Program (WMP) has received $3 million in funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to further research and manage the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in Laos. The project, announced at the ASEAN Special Summit, aims to expand the Wolbachia method to more provinces in Laos, targeting dengue hotspots in partnership with the Lao PDR Ministry of Health and Save the Children.

Project on elimination of dengue fever in Laos

The initiative follows a successful deployment in the Chanthabouly & Xaysettha districts, protecting 32 villages with a population of 86,000 people.

Read the full article in Monash News

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Improving clinical trials and clinical guidelines View

A suite of initiatives at Monash aims to transform clinical trials, focusing on consumer engagement, research integrity, and inclusive health outcomes:

The Monash University Clinical Trials Centre launched an online platform to enhance research through consumer engagement, led by Associate Professor Darshini Ayton.
The School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, led by Professor Sophia Zoungas, is developing a guide for using Clinical Quality Registries in clinical trials, with contributions from Professor Susannah Ahern.
The Monash Women’s Health Alliance and the School of Clinical Sciences are advocating for the inclusion of pregnant women in clinical trials to improve maternal and fetal health outcomes.
Researchers developed the RIGID framework to assess research integrity in clinical guidelines, led by Professor Ben Mol, Dr Aya Mousa, and Professor Helena Teede.

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Women's health and international collaboration View

Experts from Monash University and Monash Health, including Professor Beverley Vollenhoven, Dr Philip Thomas, and Dr Elizabeth Farrell, have visited Mongolia to perform surgeries and participate in educational exchanges, aiming to enhance healthcare delivery and foster research collaborations.
Monash University's Centre for Research Excellence in Women’s Health in Reproductive Life (CRE WHiRL) and the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI) updated guidelines on Premature Ovarian Insufficiency, improving women's health outcomes.
The OptimalMe program, led by Associate Professor Cheryce Harrison and Professor Helena Teede, emphasised coaching in lifestyle programs for women planning pregnancy.

Woman attending online coaching session

The Women's Health Research Symposium 2024, hosted by Monash University campuses in Malaysia and Australia, addressed women's health challenges in Malaysia, promoting interdisciplinary research and collaboration.

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Monash launches coRe-ED and engages in eating disorder strategy View

Actively contributing to treatments for eating disorders, Monash University has launched the Consortium for Research in Eating Disorders (CoRe-ED) and is working with the Victorian Government on a new strategy:

CoRe-ED, led by Monash researchers including Associate Professor Gemma Sharp, was launched at the Parkville campus, bringing together global experts and advocates to create a collaborative platform for research and development of new therapies.

All in together image

The Monash Women's Health Alliance engaged in a consultative process with the Victorian Government to inform a new Eating Disorder Strategy, highlighting Monash's research and clinical capabilities in addressing eating disorders.

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Drug harm reduction and education View

At Monash University, researchers are tackling drug-related health issues with a focus on harm reduction and education:

Associate Professor Jennifer Schumann from the Department of Forensic Medicine led a national study on drug-related deaths at music festivals, advocating for harm reduction strategies and policy shifts.
The Opioid Safety Toolkit, developed by Monash University with Painaustralia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, aims to reduce opioid overdoses through consumer education.
Dr Justin Turner from the Centre for Medicine Use and Safety demonstrated the effectiveness of educational brochures in reducing opioid doses and mortality in Canada.

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Pregnancy loss care and stillbirth prevention advocate honoured View

Dr Keeth Mayakaduwage, a resident medical officer at Monash Health and adjunct lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Monash University, was honoured with the PHAA Emerging Leader Award for his advocacy in pregnancy loss care and stillbirth prevention. He has been instrumental in developing the Pregnancy Loss Policy and Position Statement with the PHAA, advocating for government prioritization of pregnancy loss in public health funding, and improving access to mental health services.

Dr Mayakaduwage's work on the Safer Baby Bundle aims to reduce preventable stillbirths in Australia by promoting evidence-based antenatal practices. Additionally, through The Water Well Project, he delivers health education sessions to migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker communities to improve health literacy and access to healthcare services.

Read the full article in Monash Medicine News

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Older adults' health and well-being View

Promoting health and well-being among older adults and their carers is part of several Monash University initiatives:

The Carer Health and Wellbeing Service, a collaboration between Monash University and Peninsula Health, supports mature carers aged 50 and above, providing interdisciplinary support to improve their health and well-being.
A study by Monash University's Centre for Medicine Use and Safety identified key signs and symptoms for monitoring adverse drug events in older people using psychotropic medications, leading to the development of a monitoring tool for aged care facilities.
An international study led by Dalhousie University, in collaboration with Monash University, developed a self-guided intervention to reduce long-term sleeping pill use among older adults, demonstrating the effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia.

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Cardiovascular health improvement View

Monash University is leading several initiatives to improve cardiovascular health and healthcare delivery in Australia:

The Cardiovascular Health Leadership Research Forum (CV HLRF), led by Professor Dominique Cadilhac and involving Monash researchers, aims to enhance CVD management through stakeholder discussions, data infrastructure, and policy influence, supported by the Australian Cardiovascular Alliance and other key organizations.
A Monash-led project, funded by the Heart Foundation and conducted by the Australian Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (Aus-ROC), identified regions with high rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and low bystander CPR rates, highlighting the need for targeted education campaigns.
The Victorian Heart Institute identified over 50 Taylor Swift songs suitable for CPR training to improve cardiovascular health awareness and CPR skills, particularly among younger generations, leveraging Swift's popularity to promote effective CPR techniques.

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Addressing health disparities in homeless populations View

Monash University's Deep End Living Lab team and the NCHA Deep End Living Labs project are addressing health disparities among homeless populations through collaborative forums and research initiatives:

The Community Forum on improving the health of people experiencing homelessness, held in Melbourne and online, brought together stakeholders from health and housing sectors to identify knowledge gaps and develop strategies for better healthcare access and integration.
The NCHA Deep End Living Labs project, led by Associate Professor Liz Sturgiss, focuses on the link between housing and health, advocating for a 'housing first' approach and informing Australian health policy.

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New guidelines for managing unexplained infertility View

Monash University, in collaboration with the University of Adelaide and UNSW Sydney, has developed new Australian guidelines for managing unexplained infertility, aiming to improve health outcomes and equity in treatment access. The guidelines, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, were supported by Monash's Centre for Health Research and Implementation and the Centre for Research Excellence in Women’s Health in Reproductive Life.

Additionally, Monash researchers conducted a study on barriers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for people with infertility, with findings to be integrated into the Ask Fertility App. This research was led by Associate Professor Lisa Moran and Dr Steph Cowan, emphasising self-management and support from health professionals.

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AI app and educational resources for STI detection and body image View

Monash University, in collaboration with Alfred Health, has developed an AI-based app for early STI detection, and the MySTIRisk tool to assess STI risk, enhancing public health efforts.

Additionally, Associate Professor Gemma Sharp's team created educational resources to improve genital body image among adolescents, promoting health and well-being.

These initiatives align with SDG 3 by improving health outcomes and education, leveraging technology and addressing gender-specific needs.

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Helping those with acquired brain injury maximise their technology use View

Associate Professor Libby Callaway from Monash University's Rehabilitation, Ageing and Independent Living (RAIL) Research Centre and the Occupational Therapy Department led the development of 'My Technology Space', a free online resource designed to help individuals with acquired brain injury (ABI) maximise their use of assistive technology. This resource, created in collaboration with people with ABI and other experts, provides tools and information to support memory and cognitive functions through technology. It includes a framework for evaluating assistive technology, offering a structured approach to decision-making.

SDG3-Eng13 ABI technology

The project, funded by the Transport Accident Commission in Victoria and icare NSW, aims to enhance the quality of life for those with ABI by facilitating the use of technology in everyday tasks.

Read the full article in Monash News

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Advancing health care at Monash Malaysia View

Monash University Malaysia's Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences hosted two significant events to advance health care:

The inaugural Monash International Wound Conference focused on wound care excellence, bringing together experts to discuss chronic wound management and evidence-based approaches, highlighting collaboration with the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

woundcare_kkm walk

The 'Building Resilient Health Systems: Collaborative Pathways to Equity and Access' symposium marked the school's 20th anniversary, addressing health equity and accessibility, emphasising multi-sectoral collaboration, and aligning with SDG 3's targets for universal health coverage.

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Rural healthcare improvement View

Monash Rural Health and its researchers are actively engaged in initiatives to improve healthcare delivery and access in rural areas:

The Gippsland Allied Health Symposium, supported by Monash Rural Health, focused on improving allied health delivery in Gippsland, with contributions from Dr Clare McHugh and Dr Pam Harvey, emphasising workforce education and health equity.
A Monash-led study, in collaboration with the University of Tasmania and the University of Adelaide, investigates the Bonded Medical Program to address rural medical workforce shortages, led by Professor Shane Bullock.
Monash Rural Health is evaluating the Sustainable Rural Healthcare Hubs trial program in Northern Victoria, supported by the Australian Government Innovative Model of Care Grant program, with research led by Dr Pam Harvey and Kirsten Shanahan.
A study led by Dr Jessica Paynter investigates the uneven geographical distribution of general surgical services in Australia, highlighting barriers and motivations of rural surgeons.

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Hypnotherapy reduces irritable bowel syndrome symptoms View

Monash researchers, including Dr Simone Peters and Dr Emma Halmos from the School of Translational Medicine (STM) Gastroenterology, Immunology and Neuroscience Discovery Program, have developed and validated an app called Nerva, which uses Gut-directed hypnotherapy (GHD) to reduce symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The app, created in collaboration with Mindset Health, targets the miscommunication between the gut and brain, helping to manage IBS symptoms and improve quality of life.

A randomised control trial conducted by Dr Halmos and her PhD student, Ellen Anderson, demonstrated the app's effectiveness, producing significant improvements in abdominal pain, symptom severity, quality of life, and anxiety among IBS patients. This digital solution provides an accessible and cost-effective alternative to traditional therapies, addressing a significant healthcare need.

Read the full article in Monash Medicine News

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Mental health and well-being View

Monash University has been involved in several initiatives to promote mental health and well-being, particularly among adolescents and disadvantaged groups:

The MAKINGtheLINK program, led by Professor Dan Lubman and supported by the Monash Addiction Research Centre, received a $1.3 million grant to address mental health and substance use issues among adolescents, involving partnerships with various organizations and developing a digital version for schools.
The Centre for Youth Policy and Education Practice (CYPEP) partnered with Raise to launch the 2024 Australian Youth Barometer, focusing on youth mental health and generating significant media interest.
Research by Monash's School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine and Centre for Health Economics highlighted inequities in Australia's mental health care system, calling for a more integrated model.
A study led by Associate Professor Melissa Petrakis and PhD candidate Caroline Walters explored the impact of COVID-19 on mental health carers, resulting in recommendations for government action.
A scoping review by Monash Rural Health researchers, led by Dr Anton Isaacs, emphasised the need for integrating mental health services within primary care settings, supporting the Royal Commission's recommendations.

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Victoria leading the fight against childhood cancer View

Monash University, through its Department of Paediatrics, is part of the Victorian Paediatric Cancer Consortium Limited (VPCC), a new collaboration aimed at combating childhood cancer. The consortium, supported by significant investments from the government and the Children's Cancer Foundation, brings together leading institutions to advance research and treatment in paediatric oncology.

The VPCC will focus on developing safer therapies, clinical trial programs, and a survivorship program, while also training the next generation of paediatric cancer clinician scientists. This initiative is part of Victoria's broader efforts to establish itself as a global leader in medical research.

Read the full article in Monash Medicine News

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Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) - empowering patients View

Epilepsy specialists and researchers at Monash University’s School of Translational Medicine and Alfred Health, in collaboration with the Epilepsy Foundation, have developed a video resource to improve clinicians' awareness of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP). The video, supported by the Massey Charitable Foundation, aims to empower patients by guiding clinicians in having person-centred conversations about SUDEP, its risks, and prevention strategies.

This initiative is crucial for patient safety and well-being, as it addresses the gap in communication about SUDEP risks between clinicians and patients.

Read the full article in Monash Medicine News

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Forging connections from Churchill to Kyiv View

Associate Professor Marianne Tare from Monash Rural Health Churchill, along with Emeritus Professor Helena Parkington from the Department of Physiology, facilitated a knowledge exchange with Dr Olesia Moroz from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. This collaboration involved mentoring Dr Moroz in specialised techniques for recording smooth muscle membrane potential and tension, which she plans to implement in her home lab in Kyiv.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to support education and scientific research in Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict, highlighting the importance of international collaboration in advancing health research.