2 December 2025 - Top Stories

Australia’s care sector is set to benefit from a $129 million initiative led by the Care Economy CRC at La Trobe University. With support from the government and 56 partners including universities, healthcare providers, and tech firms, the program aims to modernise aged care, disability support, mental health, and early childhood services. Focus areas include developing assistive devices, AI-driven data systems, and improved care navigation tools. This effort could enhance productivity and foster innovation in a sector facing workforce and service delivery challenges.

In digital health, ANDHealth has strengthened its strategic team with the appointment of veteran Sergio Duchini as a Non-Executive Director. Duchini’s extensive experience in governance, R&D, and commercialisation in health tech is expected to bolster ANDHealth’s growth trajectory. Meanwhile, New Zealand announced a decade-long digital health infrastructure plan. The strategy aims to build a nationwide data platform to improve interoperability and modernise health services, though success hinges on securing sufficient funding and cultural change.

On the infectious disease front, a case of H5N5 bird flu in a US patient underscores ongoing zoonotic risks. The individual, with underlying health issues, succumbed after exposure to backyard poultry. Although human-to-human transmission has not been observed, the case highlights the importance of vigilance for emerging flu strains.

Australia’s progress towards cervical cancer elimination faces setbacks. Vaccination rates among 15-year-olds have fallen from nearly 86% in 2020 to below 80% in 2023. Screening participation is also declining, with many women overdue for tests despite self-collection options. Addressing these gaps is critical to maintaining elimination goals, especially among Indigenous populations where coverage remains lower.

Research from Johns Hopkins indicates low vitamin D levels in lupus patients double the risk of death and triple cardiovascular events. The findings suggest vitamin D status could serve as an early risk indicator, although the benefits of supplementation remain uncertain. Additionally, Monash University has developed a soft wearable device for fetal movement monitoring, offering pregnant women a comfortable, at-home option to track fetal health and potentially detect issues earlier.

• Australia’s care sector receives a major funding boost for tech and workforce innovation.
• Veteran health tech leader joins ANDHealth’s board to support growth.
• NZ unveils a comprehensive 10-year digital health plan, contingent on funding.
• US reports first human case of H5N5 bird flu, raising zoonotic alerts.
• Australia’s cervical cancer elimination progress faces vaccination and screening setbacks.
• Low vitamin D linked to higher risks in lupus patients; new fetal monitoring device developed.
• Western Sydney adopts new AI-enabled radiology tech to address workforce shortages.