Australia has established itself as a world leader in dementia care education after the World Health Organization (WHO) officially endorsed the country’s national training framework for inclusion on its global knowledge exchange platform.
The free resource, developed by Dementia Training Australia (DTA), will now be featured on WHO’s Global Dementia Observatory Knowledge Exchange (GDO KE) platform, making Australian standards accessible to healthcare workers worldwide.
“We’re honoured that the World Health Organization has recognised our Standards Framework as a global benchmark for dementia education,” said Dr Isabelle Meyer, Executive Director of Dementia Training Australia.
The endorsement represents a significant achievement for Australian healthcare, positioning the country at the forefront of global efforts to improve dementia care through education and standardisation.
Unlike many healthcare resources that remain behind paywalls or require significant investment, DTA’s framework has been deliberately made free and accessible to anyone involved in dementia care, from professional healthcare workers to family caregivers.
“It’s crucial to us that this resource is free and accessible to anyone who needs it. Whether you’re a nurse, a support worker, or a family member caring for a loved one, everyone should have access to clear, practical guidance to provide the best possible support,” Dr Meyer explained.
The WHO’s GDO KE platform serves as a central repository for evidence-based dementia resources globally, making it a first stop for healthcare systems and practitioners seeking best practices in dementia care. The inclusion of Australia’s framework means it will now influence dementia education programs in countries around the world.
At its core, the Standards Framework provides a structured approach for assessing knowledge, identifying learning gaps, and improving care delivery across diverse settings, from clinical environments to home care. By establishing consistent standards, it ensures anyone working with dementia patients can deliver informed, high-quality support.
“By featuring on the GDO KE platform, the framework’s reach and impact will be felt by more people living with dementia and those who support them,” Dr Meyer added.
The global endorsement comes at a critical time as countries worldwide face ageing populations and increasing dementia rates. According to WHO projections, the global prevalence of dementia is expected to triple by 2050, highlighting the urgent need for standardised training approaches.
Australia’s framework addresses this need by providing clear benchmarks that can be adapted to various healthcare systems and cultural contexts, potentially improving care for millions of people living with dementia worldwide.
The recognition also represents a significant return on investment for Australia’s healthcare system, demonstrating how domestic healthcare innovations can achieve global impact and recognition when made accessible to international partners.
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Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
