Global Healthy Living Foundation Australia

18/06/2026

GHLF Australia recently attended the Australasian College of Dermatologists Annual Scientific Meeting in Melbourne, where we connected with patient organisations, healthcare professionals and industry representatives from across the dermatology sector.

The event highlighted the importance of collaboration in improving outcomes for people living with chronic skin conditions, including hidradenitis suppurativa and psoriasis. We also heard about the shared challenges facing many patient communities, including treatment access and affordability, as well as the ongoing cost of care.

Read our reflections on the conference and what these conversations could mean for future advocacy, education and patient support initiatives.

Image shows the exhibition hall from the dermatology conference with colourful stands and people moving about.

GHLF Australia connected with patient groups, clinicians and industry leaders at the 2026 Australasian College of Dermatologists Annual Scientific Meeting in Melbourne.

02/06/2026

It's HS Awareness Week in Australia!

Living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) can feel isolating — but you are not alone.

HS is a chronic, often painful condition affecting around 1% of Australians. Beyond the physical symptoms, it can impact mental wellbeing, relationships, work and daily life. Despite this, HS remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood.

That is why GHLF Australia, in partnership with Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia and reviewed by a leading dermatologist, has developed a trusted, practical resource:

“A Patient’s Guide to Living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Australia” — now available as a free download.

This guide is designed to support you or someone you care about with clear, credible information and real-world advice that can make a meaningful difference. If you or someone you know is living with HS, this guide is a valuable place to start.

Download your free copy today via the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Education and Support Hub.

https://ghlf.org.au/hspatientguide/

05/05/2026

Let’s talk about Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)

HS is more than “just a skin condition.” It’s a chronic, painful and often misunderstood disease that can affect everyday life — physically, emotionally, and socially. And in Australia, many people are still waiting years for the right diagnosis.

That’s why GHLF Australia has launched a new Hidradenitis Suppurativa Education and Support Hub — a space designed to support people living with HS and those involved in their care.

Inside the Hub, you’ll find:
• Easy-to-understand info about HS symptoms, causes & impacts
• Treatment options explained clearly
• Practical tips for day-to-day living
• Guidance on building your healthcare team
• A free downloadable patient guide
• Expert-led webinar content

If you’re living with HS — or caring for someone who is — this Hub is here to help you navigate the journey with more confidence and support.

Explore, share and help raise awareness—because better understanding leads to better care.

💬 We’d love to hear your thoughts or experiences in the comments.





https://ghlf.org.au/hs/

03/03/2026

We are proud to be partnering with Hidradenitis Suppurativa Australia to amplify the visibility and impact of HS and strengthen treatment pathways for those living with the condition.

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a very under-resourced and often misunderstood skin condition. Our aims for this webinar are to increase awareness of HS among primary healthcare providers, provide practical information about diagnosis and treatment and elevate the standard of care for HS patients.

Register here:
https://ghlf.org.au/hsreg/

Register now for the upcoming HS Webinar

16/01/2026

Extreme weather events are a reality for Australians — and they are becoming more frequent and more severe, particularly during summer. For people living with chronic conditions, emergencies such as bushfires, cyclones and floods can create serious additional challenges.

Finding clear, reliable information during these times can be difficult. That is why we have developed a practical, easy-to-use resource designed to support people with chronic conditions in emergency situations. It includes guidance on:

• Accessing emergency prescription medications
• Keeping medications safe during power outages
• Government and community resources to help you prepare and plan ahead

We encourage you to share this resource with anyone who may find it helpful.

If you are aware of current resources specifically created for people with arthritis or other chronic conditions during emergencies in Australia or New Zealand, please share them in the comments below. Your contribution could make a meaningful difference. Thank you.

Image shows a First Aid case with a frog figurine dressed as a nurse, a bandage and tablets.

Do you know how to manage your chronic health issues during emergencies? These resources could save your life

15/12/2025

Australians with moderate to severe lupus nephritis may soon have access to a new targeted treatment.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Lupus nephritis is a serious complication that damages the kidneys and, if untreated, can lead to kidney failure.

Currently, treatment relies on steroids and general immunosuppressants. Obinutuzumab is the first medicine shown to help restore kidney function in many adults with certain types of lupus nephritis when added to standard treatment. However, it currently costs patients more than $4,600 per prescription.

In March 2026, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) will consider whether to list obinutuzumab on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). If approved, eligible patients would pay just $25 per script.

Learn how you can support our efforts to have this medication listed on the PBS.



Image shows wooden blocks on a blurred background spelling out the word LUPUS. Above this is a title saying "Help Us Get a New Treatment for Lupus Nephritis Listen on the PBS". Above this is the GHLF and CreakyJoints Australia logos.

Australians with moderate to severe lupus nephritis may soon have a targeted treatment option. Here’s how you can help us get this medication subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

15/11/2025

November 10-16, 2025, is Thyroid Eye Disease Awareness Week.

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) is a relatively unknown autoimmune condition that can cause eye bulging, dry and gritty eyes, vision changes and more, leading to a decreased quality of life for many people.

There is no cure for TED, but symptoms such as pain and inflammation can be well-managed with appropriate care.

Visit our Thyroid Eye Disease Education and Resource Hub for information about TED causes, symptoms and treatment. You'll also find patient stories and lots of tips for living well with TED.

https://ghlf.org.au/thyroideyedisease/

Image is a close-up photo of an eye with the GHLF logo in the top left corner. Below the image is the text, "Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Education and Advocacy Hub.

If you're managing TED or want to learn more, our education and advocacy hub covers everything from symptoms, treatments, daily living tips and advocacy insights.

07/11/2025

Our 2nd episode of our Lupus Mini-series has just gone live!

In this episode, Naomi chats with Julie Norris, who whose life has been profoundly shaped by resilience, compassion, and advocacy. Living with lupus for more than 34 years, she has navigated the daily challenges of a chronic illness while raising her son as a single parent.

Julie shares her challenging diagnosis journey and emphasises the importance of self-efficacy, symptom tracking, and why understanding your blood tests can help make your treatment journey smoother. She also highlights how a new immunotherapy treatment has significantly improved her quality of life. Julie goes on to discuss her memoir, ‘Shattered Silence, Reclaiming My Voice’, which documents her lived experience and advocacy for better patient empowerment and communication among healthcare providers.

Julie’s story is one of survival and renewal, and she continues to use her voice to empower others—to remind them that they are not alone, and that together, communities can create lasting change.

Lupus Victoria Dragon Claw

Catch the 2nd episode here:
https://creakyjoints.org.au/patientpreprheum/
All Patient PrepRheum episodes are also available on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube Music.

04/11/2025

We're proud to say that our third article has just been published in mivision magazine (for Australian eye health professionals).

It features personal stories from three people with autoimmune conditions that affect the eye, as well as insights from Dr Richard Symes, a consultant ophthalmologist at Sydney Eye Hospital and Gordon Eye Surgery, and Sarah Commensoli, an exercise physiologist at BJC Health - Connected Care.

The focus of this article is on the importance of multidisciplinary care for people with autoimmune conditions. Many of us live with comorbidities and see a mix of different health professionals. We need them all to be aware of other conditions that may affect us and refer us to other health professionals when appropriate.

Feel free to copy this link and share it as widely as you like.

Image shows a handful of white balls on a flat light blue surface. The balls each have a simple icon representing a person on them. They are all interconnected by white lines on the background that intersect each other at different angles.

It takes a village of health professionals to create the ideal multidisciplinary care team for people living with autoimmune eye conditions. But how close are we to this ideal? Rosemary Ainley, from the patient advocacy group Global Health Living Foundation Australia (GHLF Australia), gathered persp...

31/10/2025

🎧 New Podcast Alert for Our Lupus Community!
We’re excited to share a brand-new season of Patient PrepRheum, and it’s all about lupus.

In our first episode, host Naomi Creek discusses all things lupus with Professor Eric Morand, a renowned clinical rheumatologist specialising in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is Head of the Monash Health Rheumatology Unit.

Professor Morand provides an insightful overview of lupus and its symptoms and shares the challenges of diagnosing and treating lupus due to its complex nature. He highlights the importance of achieving early diagnosis to minimise damage to body organs. Professor Morand also talks about the role of genetic factors and the need for patient self-efficacy and empowerment.

Their conversation covers treatment options for lupus including new targeted therapies, clinical trials and the potential of CAR T-cell therapy for achieving drug-free remission.

Catch the first episode here:
https://creakyjoints.org.au/patientpreprheum/
Also available on Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube Music.
Our 2nd episode will be launched very soon!

Lupus Victoria Dragon Claw

Image shows a yellow box with the Patient PrepRheum logo, below this says Season 4 - Episode 1 A New Horizon for Treating Lupus. Below this is a photo of host Naomi Creek, and to the right is a photo of Professor Eric Morand. Below this is the CreakyJoints Australia logo.