The Chronic Diseases Network (CDN) is an unincorporated network of health professionals and organisations from government and non-government sectors, committed to addressing the rising burden of chronic disease in the Northern Territory.

The Chronic Diseases Network (CDN) aims to facilitate communication, collaboration, coordination and knowledge management with stakeholders engaged in the prevention and management of chronic conditions across the Northern Territory (NT).

At a broad level the CDN seeks to improve chronic condition prevention and management through:

• contributing to the design of responsive, person-centred, effective systems of care that can improve health outcomes and quality of life for people with chronic conditions;
• advising on the development of evidence-based recommendations and position statements on policy priorities to reduce risk factors for chronic conditions;
• advocating for, and contributing to, policy initiatives to prevent chronic conditions; and
• collaborating with government, public health groups and other stakeholders to develop and implement policy priorities.

The CDN is also committed to better preventative efforts and addressing the social and cultural determinants of health. We work with partners in across Government, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, research institutions and in the not-for-profit sector, to encourage initiatives in the areas of:

• strategic coordination, building partnerships and capacity building;
• community development;
• raising public awareness and engagement;
• creating environments for living, working and recreation which support healthy lifestyles;
• economic interventions;
• legislation and regulation; and
• development of healthy policy at government and organisation level.

Strategic advice and leadership of the CDN is provided by the Chronic Diseases Network Steering Committee (CDNSC). The CDNSC is comprised of government and non-government representatives with major interests in the common chronic diseases affecting the NT population, across the continuum of care.

The existence of the network is a crucial part of the NT Chronic Conditions Prevention and Management Strategy (CCPMS).

Secretariat support is provided by the Chronic Conditions Strategy Unit in the Department of Health.

Membership

Membership to CDN is free. Submit a membership form CDN membership form to chronicdiseasesnetwork.THS@nt.gov.au

CDN provides members information through a variety of channels including the biennial CDN conference, the quarterly publication The Chronicle and the monthly publication e-CDNews.

CDN conference