Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

Integrated care can improve outcomes for people with cardiovascular disease.

New research identifies the barriers preventing GP referrals to allied health and what could make integrated care easier.

🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.an...

@publichealthaus.bsky.social

Image of human head shape made of puzzle pieces, with a few pieces missing/to the side. Text: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

💡NEW💡

Dementia is now Australia's leading cause of death.

A new ANZJPH letter published today argues that brain health needs to be a national priority, including a focus on prevention.

🔗 www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... @publichealthaus.bsky.social

Image of teenage hands holding using a mobile phone in the dark. Text: Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

New age-verification requirements for online pornography come into effect today in Australia.

One of our most-read ANZJPH articles published in 2024 found the average age of first porn exposure was 13.2 for boys & 14.1 for girls.

🔗https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1326020024000104

Image of woman in grocery shop with paper bag shopping, she is looking slightly concerned at a receipt. Text "Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health"

🥦🍎 💰 🩺 Are proposals to increase GST & broaden it to staple foods ignoring the health impacts?

This letter estimates that the reduction in fruit & veg consumption could cause 172k more cases of cardiovascular disease & 68,500 extra cases of Type 2 diabetes.

doi.org/10.1016/j.an... #PublicHealth

cover image of ANZJPH with text "New Issue Vol 50, Issue 1, February 2026"

Looking for the latest #FirstNations public health research?

Our latest issue of ANZJPH includes several papers focused on Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander & Māori health.

🔗 www.sciencedirect.com/journal/aust...

#PublicHealth

“Radical, or plain common sense?” Public health’s perennial question : Intouch Public Health Terry Slevin I was recently invited by ABC Radio Adelaide to talk about our policy asks ahead of the March 2026 state election. The invitation followed the release of our association’s South Australia...

Seatbelts? You can't tell me what to do! Driving drunk? Everyone does it! Public health and the discursive shifts from radical to normal.

intouchpublichealth.net.au/radical-or-p...

Ensuring a healthier South Australia for years to come. 2026 State Election Virtual forum, 6pm AEDT Monday 23 February. Logos of the Public Health Association, Health Promotion, and South Australian Council of Social Service.

Today 6pm AEDT, join South Australian political candidates for our virtual forum exploring the state's public health challenges.

Details: www.phaa.net.au/Web/Events/2...

Read the SA #PublicHealth Consortium's election platform:
voteforpublichealth.org

#SApol, #VoteForPublicHealth

Background image of DNA helix. Text: "A qualitative study of genomics in cancer control for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians"

💡This new paper centres Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander perspectives on genomics in cancer care, showing why co-design is essential to achieving equitable access to precision medicine.

🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.an...

#CancerCare #Genomics #PrecisionMedicine #Equity #PublicHealth

Eight ANZJPH articles that made headlines in 2025 : Intouch Public Health Here are eight standout journal articles that shaped public health conversations in 2025.

ICYMI: With over 1.1 million reads annually, ANZJPH research continues to shape public health debate.

Here are eight 2025 articles that made headlines and shouldn’t be missed.

🔗 intouchpublichealth.net.au/eight-anzjph...

@publichealthaus.bsky.social

Cover of Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, featuring image of family playing soccer in the backyard, text: New Issue, Vol 50, Issue 1, February 2026

📣NEW ISSUE OUT NOW📣

Our first issue of 2026, Vol. 50, Issue 1 is now complete & available online.

Articles capture a wide range of #PublicHealth topics - lots on #FirstNationsHealth, #ClimateChange, #OneHealth & #Obesity

🔗 www.sciencedirect.com/journal/aust...

@publichealthaus.bsky.social

'More outbreaks' of deadly zoonotic disease in southern Australia Researchers say leptospirosis is emerging as a climate‑driven health threat in Australia, with frequent storms, floods and heatwaves pushing the disease further south.

⛈️More frequent storms and floods are increasing the risk of leptospirosis in rural Australia - and experts say rats and mice are also contributing to the spread. 🐀

Read more about recent research published in ANZJPH in this story from the ABC.

#OneHealth @publichealthaus.bsky.social

IMAGE: "Tumbetun Ruwi" Healing Country, 2025, Artist: Talia Scriven, Ngarrindjeri People his artwork celebrates resilience rooted in identity, family, and connection to Country. At its centre, two emus stand tall, symbolizing continuity, protection, and intergenerational care. This highlights the importance of early, culturally safe support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples after road traffic injuries. The circular shapes throughout represent strong identity, family support, and connection to appropriate care services. The largest circle symbolizes connection to Country – a vital cultural determinant of health and wellbeing. Together, these elements remind us that recovery depends on the strength of relationships and place, not just the individual. Beneath the emus, the silver daisy bush blooms – a totem of resilience known for thriving in tough conditions. It symbolizes endurance, hope, and growth despite challenges. The land, environment, and shared cultural knowledge passed across generations are crucial to healing, as Aboriginal participants have emphasized. Connection to Country plays a key role in supporting recovery, especially after trauma. Effective healing is community-led, involving Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Aboriginal Health Workers who provide early, culturally appropriate psychological and physical care. This artwork calls for stronger community-focused education and support for Aboriginal patients following road traffic injuries. Healing is not just about treatment – it is about connection, culture, and care that honours the strength of community.

📄New paper 📄

"Indigenous Measures for Protecting and Addressing Critical Trauma (IMPACT) – Project protocol"

🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.an...

IMAGE: "Tumbetun Ruwi" Healing Country, 2025, Artist: Talia Scriven, Ngarrindjeri People

Takeaways from this publication:
1️⃣ #Lepto ?expanding into new regions due to climate change
2️⃣ burden underestimated due to surveillance gaps
3️⃣ Manual‑harvest ag workers need proper PPE + training
4️⃣ Better access to PCR = earlier Dx+Tx
5️⃣ #OneHealth surveillance needed to map transmission pathways

Image of stethoscope and ECG print out, with a heart shaped object. Text reads "Provider perspectives on heart healthcare inequities among Māori and Pacific Peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand: A qualitative study"

Heart disease is the leading cause of life expectancy gaps between Māori & Pacific populations compared with other New Zealanders.

Interviews with care providers revealed the need for adequately resourced services, designed by & for Māori and Pacific people.

Read more 👉 doi.org/10.1016/j.an...

How can we do more to keep Australian children at a healthy weight?

Our latest ANZJPH issue explores translating evidence into practical tools, the limitations of KPIs and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander strengths and inequities.

🔗 www.sciencedirect.com/journal/aust...

#childhealth

Communicable Diseases & Immunisation Conference call for abstracts extended to 20 Feb. Conference runs 15 to 17 June 2026 at Marvel Stadium in Naarm / Melbourne.

Need extra time for your #abstract for our Communicable Diseases & Immunisation Conference?

We've extended the submissions deadline to 20 Feb.

Details via www.cdic2026.com/call-for-abs...

See you in Naarm/Mebourne at Marvel Stadium #CDIC2026

Why scrapping a key health promotion agency makes little economic sense

Preventing disease is clearly worthwhile. So why is the future of a key Australian health promotion agency, VicHealth, in the balance?

Image of man's legs walking in floods after in thongs, with text "Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health"

🚨 NEW ARTICLE 🚨

Climate-driven floods are increasing leptospirosis risk in Australia, and rural communities may be underprepared.

This latest ANZJPH paper calls for wider testing, vigilance beyond North Qld, and urgent further study.

#OneHealth

🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.an...

Images supplied by #endingtrachoma team - including clean faces strong eyes kit (towels, soaps, sanitiser, toilet paper, tissues, face wash, toothpaste etc). On the right an Aboriginal man fixes taps at a bathroom sink.

Trachoma is the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness & Aust. is the only developed country where it persists.

A new letter says elimination must go beyond surgery & antibiotics, with more focus on facial cleanliness and water & hygiene.

🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.an...

#endingtrachoma

Image of gloved hands administering vaccine into arm of person wearing a blue shirt. Text "Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health"

Vaccination coverage in Aust. is falling. The National Immunisation Strategy aims to reverse this by strengthening the workforce.

In a ANZJPH Letter, Thomas Aaron Ricks argues the existing workforce can be better used & proposes a practitioner register.

doi.org/10.1016/j.an...

Image looking up at a big, old Eucalyptus tree against the sky.

New in ANZJPH: Aged care use among older Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people has increased overall, but declined in remote areas.

Findings highlight the need for reforms that reflect Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander preferences.

🔗 doi.org/10.1016/j.an...
@publichealthaus.bsky.social

Two decades of climate change and its impact on emergency department presentations in the Australian Capital Territory: Past trend and future projection The objectives of this study were to explore health impact of climate change over the last two decades in the Australian Capital Territory and to proj…

Researchers analysed historical weather and hospital emergency department data to determine how temperature has affected past ED visits, and used #ClimateChange scenarios to predict how future demand is likely to change.

shorturl.at/l1FOf

#PublicHealth

Hospital bed and equipment. Text says Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health.

One in 15 Emergency Department visits in the Australian Capital Territory is linked to extreme weather, and global heating will make that worse, a new study out today shows.

The study invovled researchers from ANU, ADL Uni, & Canberra Health Services.

shorturl.at/l1FOf

#PublicHealth

Last month, we marked World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day, a moment to celebrate Australia’s progress.

With HPV vaccination coverage >80% among adolescents and a strong National Cervical Screening Program, Australia is on track to eliminate cervical cancer.

- Shared by HPSIG member Huma Abdi

Eight ANZJPH articles that made headlines in 2025 : Intouch Public Health Here are eight standout journal articles that shaped public health conversations in 2025.

ANZJPH research reaches 1.1M+ readers each year.

In 2025, our papers didn’t just get cited - they influenced policy debates, supported advocacy and made headlines on issues from kids’ e-scooter injuries to diet, vapes and vaccination.

8 standout articles (including a special issue) 👇

‘We extend our deepest condolences to the victims – who were specifically targeted in this terror attack – and to their families and loved ones. Australians should be able to gather, celebrate and practise their faith without fear of gun violence.’

Excellent 10 point plan❗️

☀️ Heatwave Alert ⚠️

Heatwave conditions are predicted for large parts of Australia this week. Extreme heat is known as Australia's 'silent killer', so it’s important to take steps to protect your health.

Read our heat and health fact sheet to learn more: www.dea.org.au/heat_and_hea...

#OneHealthResearch 🚨
New scoping review on climate & arboviruses in Australia:

📊 30 studies analysed
🌏 Inland regions included
🌡️ Temperature–infection link varied by region
👉 Highlights need to enhance human & 🦟 vector surveillance
#RossRiverVirus #BarmahForestvirus

Close up image of mosquito biting human skin

New in ANZJPH 🦟 Scoping review out now on how temperature affects Ross River & Barmah Forest virus notifications in Australia. Timely reminder to protect yourself from mozzies this summer.
Paper 👉 doi.org/10.1016/j.an...
Media 👉 www.phaa.net.au/Web/Web/News...

@publichealthaus.bsky.social

'Incredibly concerning': One in eight teens report unwanted sexual experiences - study The survey found sexual violence rates were highest against Māori and Pacific teens, gender-diverse youth, and those in the poorest schools.

New in ANZJPH: Research from the University of Auckland found at 1 in 8 NZ teens reported unwanted sexual experiences.

Read the Radio New Zealand article below, or check out the research here: doi.org/10.1016/j.an...

#PublicHealth @publichealthaus.bsky.social