The National Allergy Strategy has launched the pilot phase of ‘Nip Allergies in the Bub’ – a food allergy prevention project funded by the Australian Government. The project is the first in the world to promote feeding children the common allergy causing foods by one year of age to help prevent food allergy from developing.
The website contains practical information for parents about how to introduce the common food allergens and how to optimise eczema management. The website also contains a section for health professionals including education resources.
The online resources are supported by a ‘1300 number’ phone service where trained staff can provide additional information and advice for parents who are introducing solid foods to infants. Work is also underway to address current myths about allergy prevention and provide credible information on allergy prevention in infants.
The project aims to implement the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) guidelines for infant feeding and allergy prevention. It has been informed by the National Allergy Strategy Infant Feeding Implementation Meeting (IFIM) held in March 2017 and overseen by a Working Group comprising key stakeholders.
The pilot phase of the project will involve extensive engagement in Western Australia as the main pilot state before it is launched throughout Australia.
Visit: www.preventallergies.org.au
