Published: 7 July 2026
In a groundbreaking development for the myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) community, ME/CFS will be included in the upcoming Australian Burden of Disease Study (ABDS), set to be released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) in December 2026. This marks the first time since 2003 that ME/CFS will be recognised as a separate condition within the national health framework, a pivotal moment that promises to reshape the landscape of public health for over 250,000 Australians.
The ABDS is the nation’s definitive guide for assessing the impact of various diseases and health conditions on the Australian population. By utilising Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs), the study provides a comprehensive measure of health loss, allowing for direct comparisons across a wide spectrum of health issues.
Anne Wilson, CEO of Emerge Australia, expressed her enthusiasm for this significant advancement: “The inclusion of ME/CFS in the ABDS signifies official recognition of the substantial public health burden this condition imposes. It places ME/CFS alongside major health challenges such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders, paving the way for informed policy development and resource allocation.”
