20 February 2013
One of the 21st century’s major clinical challenges: Wound Management
Treating and managing wounds using the latest science could help improve the quality of life for tens of thousands of Indonesian diabetes patients, according to Australian medical experts.
Biochemistry and biomedical experts Professor Helen Edwards and Professor Zee Upton said Indonesia has the world’s fourth largest diabetic population and diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) affect up to 25% of diabetic patients causing 85% of all diabetic amputations.
Diabetic Foot Ulcers have significant social and economic impacts associated with increased hospitalisation rates, cost of care, and the reduced capacity of patients and carers to work.
The seminar on Wound Managment Innovation: Developing new technologies, tools, therapies and clinical applications was hosted by the Australian Embassy Jakarta.
“We are proud to host such distinguished scientists at the Embassy whose work demonstrates the scientific excellence we have in Australia,” said Australian Deputy Head of Mission, Dr David Engel.
“I hope this research will contribute to the development of improved wound management practices in Indonesia and strengthen research collaboration with Australia.”
Successful repair of wounds and tissues remains one of the major clinical challenges of the 21st century as the treatment and management of wounds represents a significant cost to patients, the economy and to the wider community.
Despite the clear need for improved approaches to diagnose, treat, manage and prevent wounds, research in wound and tissue repair is relatively under-developed and has yet to adopt modern biotechnology and innovative biomaterials approaches, or evidence-based clinical practice.
Professor Upton is internationally renowned for her research into the biological basis of wound healing. Professor Edwards is internationally recognised for her work in ageing, chronic disease and wound management.
Together they recently established the $110 million Wound Management Innovation Cooperative Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology; this is the largest wound research initiative globally and is focused on the development of cost-effective and practical wound therapies, diagnostics and clinical interventions.
Ray Marcelo, Counsellor (Public Affairs) tel. (021) 2550 5290 mob. 0811 187 3175