SUPPORTING ENDOMETRIOSIS AWARENESS PROGRAM

The Morrison Government is continuing to support a successful endometriosis awareness campaign for high school students in South Australia and is expanding the campaign into Western Australia.

 

Together with the South Australian and Western Australian Governments, the Morrison Government is supporting the continuation of the Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Program Talk (PPEP-Talk®) in South Australian high schools, and expansion of the program into Western Australian high schools in 2020-21.

 

The Morrison Government is contributing funding of $270,000 towards the program.

 

The PPEP-Talk® program has been developed by the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia to enable students to learn how to recognise when menstruation symptoms are not normal and advise them where to go for advice and help.

 

Health Minister Greg Hunt said, “Endometriosis affects at least one in 10 girls and women, leading to severe chronic pain and, in some cases, infertility.

 

“The Morrison Government is committed to seeking improved health outcomes for Australian women and girls affected by this debilitating condition – and the PPEP Talk program aligns with the priorities we have established under the National Action Plan for Endometriosis.” 

 

Launched in 2018, the Action Plan is a blueprint to increase research and improve the understanding and awareness of endometriosis, as well as diagnosis and treatment.

 

Since the release of the Action Plan, the Morrison Government has committed $16.13 million for research, awareness and education, and clinical management and care. The Government is committed to continuing to collaborate with the endometriosis sector to progress the Action Plan.

 

Federal Member for Boothby, Nicolle Flint said, “PPEP Talk has been enthusiastically received in South Australia and I’m delighted that we are continuing to fund it. 

 

“The program helps girls to understand any symptoms they might be experiencing, and to know when they might need to seek further help. It helps to curb their anxiety where there are symptoms they do not understand.”

 

Member for Forrest Nola Marino said, “I welcome the introduction of PPEP Talk into WA. One of the critical obstacles to women and girls receiving diagnosis for endometriosis is a lack of awareness and knowledge of the condition, including what is normal/abnormal period or pelvic pain.

 

“The introduction of the program will help fill this information gap and make a real difference in WA high school girls’ understanding of this painful condition,” Ms Marino said.

 

The Morrison Government has been working hard to raise awareness of endometriosis and this is the next step in our progress.

 

For further information on the program, visit https://www.pelvicpain.org.au/ppep-talk-schools-program.