National Pain Alliance launched to advocate for chronic pain

The National Pain Alliance — a “cross-condition, lived experience-centred coalition of national organisations representing communities deeply impacted by chronic pain” — was officially launched by Chronic Pain Australia at Parliament House, Canberra on 30 March. Steered by Chronic Pain Australia, the alliance seeks to advocate for chronic pain to be formally recognised within national health data and policy frameworks.

“The National Pain Alliance brings together organisations representing a wide range of conditions to ensure chronic pain is finally recognised in national data, policy and health system planning,” Chair of Chronic Pain Australia Nicolette Ellis said. “If we continue to overlook chronic pain as a national health priority, the cost will only grow — not just the personal costs to individuals and families, but for the economy and the health system.

“Millions of Australians are being held back from participating fully in work, community and family life, and the nation simply cannot afford to ignore that.” Without reform, Chronic Pain Australia said the annual cost of chronic pain is projected to rise from $139.3 billion in 2018 to $215.6 billion by 2050.

Chronic Pain Australia said it will work with clinicians, government, researchers and community organisations and focus on three key priorities: recognising chronic pain as a national health priority; improving national data, measurement and research visibility; and strengthening policy coordination and access to evidence-informed care.

The founding members of the National Pain Alliance include Chronic Pain Australia, Endometriosis Australia, MS Australia, Arthritis Australia, Wounds Australia, Musculoskeletal Health Australia, CRPS Awareness – The Purple Bucket Foundation and the Connective Tissue Disorders Network Australia.

Image: Supplied