The Turnbull government has announced more than $8 million in funding to support projects aimed at asthma patients.
Asthma causes around 400 deaths each year. Asthma attacks cause around 40,000 hospitalisations every year.
More than 2.5 million Australians are affected by asthma and it is one of the most common chronic conditions among children.
Asthma Australia will receive $7.6 million to continue two training programs.
Asthma Australia’s Asthma Child and Adolescent Program delivers information and emergency training for staff in preschools and schools. It also supports self-management for adolescents. Its Community Support Program delivers community training education workshops and information online.
The National Asthma Council will receive $525,000 to boost its support for GPs and nurses.
This program provides training in best practice response to asthma and linked chronic respiratory conditions to primary care health practitioners, including GPs, practice nurses and Indigenous health workers.
This additional funding brings total program support over the next three years to $1.26 million.