Bendigo newborns will have the chance to shape the health outcomes for the next generation through a new collaborative initiative led by the Murdoch Children's Research Institution.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The GenV project invites parents to share information about their newborn throughout their childhood to help solve problems like asthma, food allergies, obesity and mental illness.
Bendigo new parents Alexander Pascoe and Caitlin Baillie have signed their four-day-old baby Francis Pascoe Baillie up as part of the initiative in the hopes of helping future generations of parents.
"The way it was explained for us is the outcomes and data will contribute to better health outcomes," Ms Baillie said. "We think it's nice our little boy could contribute to something like this.
"When I've been talking to my parent's generation about the amount of support we're getting from Bendigo Health, council and the state government as new parents, the difference is amazing.
"If there's anything we can do to make this support even better, then I think that's a great thing."
The family can opt-out of the initiative at anytime, and GenV uses a combination of data already collected by Bendigo Health and Maternal Child Services as well as saliva swabs soon after birth for genetic testing and surveys throughout the years.
The surveys will ask questions about lifestyle and health milestones providing the insight and information needed across some of the most complex problems faced by families.
GenV is one of the world's largest-ever birth and parent cohort studies and has commenced at Bendigo Health, St John of God Hospital and across the state.
Bendigo Health chief executive Peter Faulkner said parents can opt-in to the program over the next two years, no matter where they live.
"Bendigo Health is proud to be part of this pioneering research project that will improve the health and wellbeing of families in the region," he said.
"GenV will provide the opportunity to better treat common and complex conditions experienced by Loddon Mallee children."
GenV scientific director Melissa Wake said that by 2035, GenV's vision is to have helped create a happier and healthier future for many children and parents.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"By involving children and families in this once-in-a-generation initiative, GenV can help solve pressing problems," Professor Wake said.
"In addition, we are seeking to address the inequities facing so many children and families across Victoria. Because GenV will be in every community, it may be especially helpful to the most vulnerable individuals and communities in our state.
"Over the next two years, around 150,000 children born in Victoria and their parents will have the opportunity to participate in the project.
Put simply, by signing up to be a part of the GenV generation, parents will help to create a healthier future for all children and their families.
- Melissa Wake
GenV is supported by the Royal Children's Hospital and University of Melbourne and is funded by the Paul Ramsay Foundation, the Victorian Government and the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:
- Bookmark bendigoadvertiser.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter @BgoAddy
- Follow us on Instagram @bendigoadvertiser
- Join us on Facebook
- If you're a subscriber, join our subscriber-only Facebook group.
- Follow us on Google News
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.