An entire generation of young people are to be invited to join a health study which is expected to provide answers to complex medical issues and lead to better health outcomes for Victorian families.
Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy, Jaala Pulford said the GenV study would track the wellbeing of more than 100,000 Victorians throughout their lives and was the result of a partnership between the Department of Health, the University of Melbourne, the Royal Children’s Hospital, Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Paul Ramsay Foundation.
Ms Pulford said every baby born in Victoria over two years, from 1 July, would be invited to join the study.
“In addition to providing invaluable data for researchers, the study will make it easier to detect avoidable health issues in children by catching early warning signs of health issues,” Ms Pulford said.
“This study will not only improve health and wellbeing outcomes for young Victorians, it will also pinpoint critical links between environment, genetics, physical characteristics and developmental milestones,” she said.
“Participating families will receive regular communication to ensure they are fully aware of the project’s progression and how data will be used; families can opt out of the study at any time.”
Ms Pulford said GenV would also be a world-first investigation into the long-term effects of COVID-19 on babies and children and would shed light on both the physical and economic impacts of the pandemic.
“The program will provide invaluable evidence which will shape strategies across health, early childhood development, education and human services,” the Minister said.
She said the GenV pilot program began at the Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital last year and had since expanded to 65 hospitals across Victoria.
Ms Pulford said 677 newborn babies had been joined in the study so far and data from the trial showed 93 per cent of parents felt positive about taking part in the voluntary initiative.
