What We Do

Lyme Disease Association of Australia is a small yet powerful registered charity and Australia’s peak patient body. We are committed to achieving universal recognition and equitable treatment for Australian Lyme and associated disease patients.

Ultimately, we aim to influence the perspective of Australian health authorities to the extent that they commit to urgent and ongoing research into Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. Also, for them to recognise and allow Australian doctors to adopt the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) treatment protocol.

The LDAA commenced operations in November 2009.  Since that time, with the assistance of many dedicated volunteers, we have evolved into a powerful, grassroots organisation. LDAA volunteers are united by a common passion for prevention, treatment and ultimately eradication of an illness which can be debilitating, life changing, and in some unfortunate cases, deadly. In November 2017, the LDAA formed a board to further enhance our position as the peak body in Australia.

See also Government Engagement.

The Association undertakes activities in six key areas:

• Advocate for individuals and families living with Australian Lyme and associated diseases with governments, doctors, and local communities
• Facilitate a higher and more equitable level of patient care and support
• Represent the perspective, lived experience and interests of the Australian patient community
• Act as a conduit between international developments, research, treatments, and other Lyme communities
• Fundraise to facilitate improvements for people living with Australian Lyme and associated diseases by supporting the education of doctors and other health professionals
• Fundraise to support research and innovation in epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of Australian Lyme and associated diseases, and
• Educate the public and medical sector about the risks of Lyme disease and the need for early diagnosis and treatment (early detection may reduce the risk of the disease turning chronic).

Without our volunteers past and present, the LDAA would not be what it is today and to you we say a very heartfelt thank you.

The LDAA recognises the critical and overdue need for accurate information about all aspects of Lyme disease in Australia. Well researched prevention programs, clinical studies, patient support, and appropriate diagnostic and treatment guidelines that address the unique Australian situation will play a key role in changing the current uncertainties and confusion that surround Lyme disease in Australia.

Research approaches that are far more aware, that overcome past barriers and that encompass the complexities of this illness are critical to conducting effective Lyme disease research. To that end, we will continue in our endeavours.

If you, or anyone you know would like to become involved in the LDAA at any level, please contact us.

“In the fullness of time the mainstream handling of chronic Lyme disease will be viewed as one of the most shameful episodes in the history of medicine because elements of academic medicine, elements of government, and virtually the entire insurance industry have colluded to deny a disease. This has resulted in needless suffering of many individuals who deteriorate and sometimes die for lack of timely application of treatment or denial of treatment beyond some arbitrary duration”.

Dr Kenneth Liegner, Physician since 1988

ACNC Charity Tick Approved!

What does this mean? It means we are accountable and transparent to you, our ever growing community. Charities without the ACNC Charity Tick have had issues with meeting their reporting obligations or had action taken.

Find out what’s behind our charity tick.

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