Australia is launching a groundbreaking nationwide program to treat children with severe peanut allergies, offering them a potentially life-saving intervention. The initiative involves administering daily doses of peanut powder to eligible infants over two years, gradually increasing the dosage to build tolerance.
This process will be closely monitored by medical professionals across 10 pediatric hospitals. The program aims to reduce sensitivity to peanuts, marking the first time such a comprehensive treatment is available outside clinical trials.
Dr. Kirsten Perrett, who heads the oral immunotherapy unit at the National Allergy Centre of Excellence, highlighted the program’s goal to shift the trajectory of allergic diseases in Australia.
By conducting this treatment on a national scale, officials hope more children will be able to attend school without the constant threat of severe allergic reactions. Historically, families were advised to have their children avoid peanuts entirely, but this new approach offers a proactive solution.
Peanut allergies are a significant concern in Australia, with three percent of children developing the condition by the age of 12 months. Of these children, only 20 percent outgrow the allergy by their teenage years. The program’s success could lead to a considerable reduction in these numbers, providing a sense of security for many families.
For example, Hunter Chatwin, a nine-month-old participant, started showing allergic reactions to peanut butter, and his mother hopes the treatment will enable him to safely consume peanuts in the future.
The availability of this program in public hospitals, free of charge, is a significant advancement for families managing severe allergies. If the program proves effective, there are plans to expand it further, including into regional and remote areas.
This broader rollout could ensure that more children across Australia benefit from the treatment and reduce the prevalence of severe allergic reactions.
Despite the rarity of deaths from peanut allergies in Australia, the prevalence of allergic diseases is high and expected to increase. Currently, almost 20 percent of Australians suffer from some form of allergy, with projections suggesting a 70 percent rise by 2050.
This means that by mid-century, approximately 7.7 million Australians could be affected. The new peanut allergy program represents a proactive step towards mitigating this growing public health issue.
