Canada, Australia and New Zealand establish a new research partnership

Ottawa (March 20, 2012) – The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute (APHCRI) at the Australian National University and the Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC NZ) are partnering to fund research on innovative models of Community-based Primary Healthcare (CBPHC). As part of CIHR's Signature Initiative, funded teams will examine how to better prevent and manage chronic disease, as well as improve access to care for vulnerable populations.

Recognizing that innovative research in CBPHC is essential to better health outcomes, improved equity, reduced wait times, and an improved patient experience, the partners have agreed to support cross-jurisdictional Canada-Australia and Canada-New Zealand teams of researchers, patients, decision-makers and clinicians.

"This collaborative research between Canada, Australia, and New Zealand will allow our three countries to test different models of primary healthcare", said Dr. Beaudet, President of CIHR. "The international best practices that emerge will benefit our healthcare systems and, most importantly, contribute to better health outcomes."

"The Australia Primary Health Care Research Institute is pleased to collaborate with CIHR to support a cross-national Australia-Canada team in Community-based Primary Healthcare", said Prof. Wells, Director of APHCRI. "A strong community-based primary healthcare system is essential to the health and well-being of Australians and research has a critical role to play. We look forward to the results and innovations that will be generated through this exciting collaboration."

"Improving community-based primary healthcare is a high priority for New Zealand and the Health Research Council of New Zealand is excited to be partnering with CIHR to fund research in this important area", said Dr. Robin Olds, Chief Executive of the HRC. "The research outcomes from the successful collaboration will be able to contribute to better health outcomes for New Zealanders and to improving the delivery and accessibility of community-based healthcare in New Zealand."

The funding opportunity is now posted on CIHR, APHCRI and HRC NZ websites.

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About Canadian Institutes of Health Research
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

About Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute
APHCRI is an initiative of the Australian Government as part of the Primary Health Care Research, Evaluation and Development (PHC RED) strategy and is supported by a grant from the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. The mission of APHCRI is to "Provide national leadership in improving the quality and effectiveness of primary health care through the conduct of high quality priority-driven research and the support and promotion of best practice. It focuses on important sectoral questions relating to the organisation, financing, delivery and performance of primary health care, including its interaction with public health and the secondary and tertiary health care sectors."

About Health Research Council of New Zealand
The Health Research Council of New Zealand (HRC NZ) is the agency responsible for managing the Government's investment in health research. Their mission is 'benefiting New Zealand through health research', with a vision of improved health and quality of life for all.

Further Information:
David Coulombe, Media Relations, CIHR, 613-941-4563, email: david.coulombe@cihr-irsc.gc.ca