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From the leadership
Professor Bruce Neal, Executive Director, The George Institute Australia
2021 has been a year like no other. Countries across the world have seen the worst of the pandemic but also found ways to fight back and emerge stronger and more resilient. For us it has been an extraordinary year of ground-breaking research, some COVID-19 related, while other work has focused on our strategic themes of better treatments, better care and healthier societies.
2021 has been a landmark year for me personally – we finally published the results of our Salt Substitutes and Stroke Study - the most important piece of research I have ever been involved in. Almost everyone in the world eats more salt than they should, leading to high blood pressure which increases the risk of stroke, heart attacks and death. Our study has shown that a simple salt swap, which is feasible, affordable, and practical, can help people avoid the harmful effects of sodium and potentially save millions of lives each year.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the response to this study - from the global research community, international media and the public at large - and are now working with governments and industry to promote wider use of salt substitutes. This is in line with our commitment to make a positive impact with our research towards improving the health of millions of people worldwide.
I hope you enjoy our round-up of the latest at The George Institute and wish you the very best for 2022!
Latest News
New funding for ground-breaking dialysis machine
Ellen Medical Devices, an initiative of The George Institute for Global Health, to receive Australian government funding to develop its award-winning affordable dialysis machine.
Project to tackle stigma by women with diabetes wins WHO NCD Lab award
The Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Lab on Women and Girls, co-chaired by The George Institute UK and WHO is a platform for innovative projects to help tackle the NCD burden in low and middle-income countries.
New research targets workplaces to beat cancer
A new study aiming to reduce cancer risks by promoting health programs in workplaces in China will commence in early 2022.
We’re thrilled to welcome Professor Edwine Barasa as Distinguished Fellow, who brings with him invaluable experience in health system strengthening in Africa, health financing and Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reforms.
Latest Research
Not including enough women in stroke trials could be impacting their treatment
Our comprehensive review of clinical trials in stroke over the last 30 years shows women are under-represented, making it harder to interpret what the findings really mean for them.
How much salt does your packet of salami have? It depends on when you live
Our new study across five countries shows a big difference in the salt content of processed meat and fish, revealing scope for action to reduce salt consumption in some countries.
Patients with severe COVID-19 could benefit from higher doses of corticosteroids
A large international study of hospitalised COVID-19 patients from India and other countries shows the benefits of a higher steroid dose without increased side effects.
Counting women in COVID-19 vaccine research
Our study shows a “positive shift” in inclusive gender practices in COVID-19 vaccine research, but also highlights gaps in reporting sex-aggregated data.
News and opinion
The widespread gender bias in healthcare
The Institute’s Co-Founder and Principal Director Prof Robyn Norton took part in a discussion on ABC Radio National about why women have historically been excluded from or under-represented in medical research.
Ahead of COP26, The George Institute for Global Health called on governments and stakeholders around the world to step up action against climate change.
Qatar 2022: Dying for the World Cup
In this Times UK article, Dr Vivekanand Jha, Executive Director of The George Institute India explains the effect of poor working conditions on migrants developing chronic kidney disease.
The path to eating less salt to save lives is clear but country uptake is patchy
In this blog, Prof Jacqui Webster, Head of Advocacy and Policy Impact at The George Institute outlines a roadmap for countries to reduce salt intake and improve health outcomes.
Impact: Reports and submissions
Improving uptake of non-communicable disease (NCD) screening: Policy brief
On a request from The National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), Government of India, The George Institute India developed a policy brief on interventions to increase NCD screening in urban areas.
Whose paradigm counts: An Australia-Pacific perspective on unheard voices in food and water systems
The George Institute submitted a report to the UN Food Systems Summit 2021 calling for the prioritisation of First Nations and Pacific Island voices in deliberations and policymaking.
Engage with us
Tune into the latest episode of #TheScan podcast. Join A/Prof Rohina Joshi as she talks about the challenges faced by India’s community health workers (ASHAs) - the backbone of the country’s primary healthcare system.
#GeorgeTalks on Safety this summer: Staying injury free
Join us on 8 December ‘21 as we discuss and raise awareness of the risks and ways to minimise injury this summer in Australia – in water or on our roads.
