Back to top anchor

SYMBIOTIC: Integrated prevention of infectious diseases and long-term conditions

Year:
2020
Duration:
60 months
Approved budget:
$4,951,982.35
Researchers:
Professor Michael Baker
,
Professor Andrew Day
,
Professor Jeroen Douwes
,
Associate Professor Andrea 't Mannetje
,
Ms Cheryl Davies
,
Dr Amanda Kvalsvig
,
Associate Professor James Stanley
,
Associate Professor Jason Gurney
,
Dr Andrea Teng
,
Dr Sheree Gibb
,
Dr Marine Corbin
,
Dr Virginia Signal
,
Dr Kirsty Danielson
,
Dr Dougal Thorburn
,
Ms Jane Zhang
,
Mr William Leung
,
Ms Carmen Timu-Parata
,
Associate Professor Dianne Sika-Paotonu
,
Associate Professor Andrew Waa
,
Dr Melissa McLeod
,
Dr Celia Hume
Health issue:
Infectious disease
Proposal type:
Programme
Lay summary
Poverty, infectious diseases, and serious long-term conditions such as stomach cancer and diabetes tend to occur together (termed ‘syndemics’). The SYMBIOTIC Programme team will work in partnership with communities, practitioners, Māori health providers, and policymakers to create practical, effective solutions to break syndemic cycles and advance health and equity. The Programme will both use and further develop New Zealand's rich data environment to inform action against syndemics, with a focus on better vaccination policy; improved safety of the food supply and drinking water; reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics; screening and treatment for H. pylori stomach infection; and improved understanding and management of patients with multiple long-term conditions. Whānau-centred care offers the integrated approach that is essential to address syndemics. A key strength of the Programme is the community co-design model that will guide development of the research evidence and its implementation in policy and practice.