Reasons
About the Australian Liver Foundation — Reasons for Establishment
Unlike many developed countries, Australia did not have a liver foundation
until recently, despite the high incidence of liver disease:
• Two million Australians are, or have been, affected by liver, bile duct
or gall bladder disease;
• More than 2,000 Australians die each year from chronic liver diseases,
cirrhosis and cancers of the liver, gall bladder and bile ducts;
• Many, forms of liver disease are preventable and many more, if detected early, can be treated effectively;
• Fatty liver, an obesity-related chronic liver condition, may affect many of the 30% of adults in Australia who are overweight;
• Liver cancer is the most rapidly increasing cancer worldwide;
• Hepatitis B and C significantly increase the risk of liver cancer;
• Almost 3,000 Australian adults and children have undergone successful
liver transplantation and require ongoing care to optimise their level of
anti-rejection drugs and reduce the likelihood of recurrent liver diseases;
• Haemochromatosis, a liver disease causing iron overload, is the most common
inherited disorder in Australians of European origin and if detected early
and treated, complications including cirrhosis can be prevented;
• Liver Disease is a major complication in children and young adults with
Cystic Fibrosis, which is the second commonest genetic disease in peoples
of European descent. Liver disease associated with Cystic Fibrosis
leads to early death or liver transplantation;
• Between 15 and 20 Australian children
each year are born with Biliary Atresia, an aggressive liver disease responsible
for 60% of all paediatric liver transplants. Better understanding of the cause
and mechanisms of disease progression may prevent the need for liver transplantation
in these children.
The present investment in liver research and public education is scant in
relation to the magnitude, mortality and severity of these diseases.
The Australian
Liver Foundation raises funds for urgently needed scholarships, fellowships,
research and public education in the above areas.
Funds are distributed
nationally.
Preference is given to the funding of projects which demonstrate
strong collaboration among organisations, researchers, scientists and educators,
aimed at producing significant outcomes.
Benefactors and other
well-wishers, as well as those whose lives have been touched in some way by
liver disease, are strong supporters of the Foundation.
The Australian Liver Foundation also plays a major role in public information
and education, as well as other roles, all described herein.
Top