As Alberta’s government continues efforts to improve health outcomes for all Albertans, an important focus of these efforts is the health and well-being of women and children. Alberta’s government remains committed to improving women’s health and is increasing funding for research, advocacy and clinical care in women's health.
Through Budget 2024, Alberta’s government is delivering on an election promise to commit $20 million over two years to support two organizations in executing crucial research aimed at addressing long-standing gaps in understanding and addressing women’s health concerns.
“Healthy families are the foundation of healthy communities. Investing in women’s health and newborn screening means better outcomes and more peace of mind. We're giving experts the tools to tackle more health issues sooner, and that is important for families and for our health care system now and into the future.”
“The Premier gave me a clear mandate to improve the health outcomes of women and children in Alberta. Our goal is to continue leading the way in women’s and children's health programs and research. These investments will make a real difference in tackling health issues that impact women, promoting overall well-being and ensuring every Albertan can thrive, no matter their age or stage in life.”
Included in the $20-million investment is $10 million over two years to create the Alberta Women’s Health Foundation Legacy Grant to support research on cervical cancer, heart disease and other common women’s health conditions. Additionally, funding will help recruit top researchers to the province and support advocacy and awareness efforts.
“Advances in diagnosis and treatment begin with research. This announcement demonstrates our government’s commitment to this province’s 2.2 million women and girls and their healthy futures. The AWHF is grateful for the investment in women’s health across the public, private and non-profit sectors.”
The Calgary Health Foundation has been serving the larger Calgary community for more than 25 years, providing support through health programs and research. The foundation will also receive matching funds of $10 million over the next two years for programs that fund cancer research, along with initiatives such as the development of a rapid access clinic and pelvic floor health projects in Calgary. These initiatives will drive health care improvements and advances for the unique needs of hundreds of thousands of Alberta women.
“This investment will enable us to give the necessary attention, funding and advocacy to the unique health challenges of women. Through partnerships like the one with Dr. Erin Brennand and the Calgary Pelvic Floor Clinic, the funding will allow us to confront the gaps in the diagnosis, treatment and care of women's health concerns. We are grateful to the Government of Alberta for its support."
Alberta Newborn Screening Program
Every year, a small number of Alberta babies are born with metabolic disorders that can lead to severe health issues or even death. Early detection and treatment of these disorders are crucial for healthy development and can significantly reduce infant mortality and morbidity rates.
A comprehensive and effective newborn screening program is fundamental to ensuring health, treatment and support for babies and their families. The Alberta Newborn Screening Program currently screens for 22 conditions and ensures all screened infants who may have one of the treatable conditions get clinical assessment, diagnostic testing and early treatment if necessary.
Through Budget 2024, Alberta’s government will enhance the Alberta Newborn Screening Program by investing $6 million to include four additional conditions, bringing the total to 26, fulfilling another election promise. The four new conditions are: congenital cytomegalovirus, argininosuccinic aciduria, guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency and mucopolysaccharidosis type 1. This expansion will make the current program one of the most comprehensive in Canada and establish Alberta as the first province to screen for these four conditions, leading to improved infant survival rates.
“Newborn screening is an incredibly successful program allowing us to identify and treat children for many diseases before they begin showing irreversible symptoms. By expanding the list of conditions we screen for in Alberta, we dramatically improve patient outcomes and bring the benefits of advanced diagnosis and treatment to children and families affected by serious but treatable genetic diseases”
Quick facts
- In the 2022-23 fiscal year, the Alberta Newborn Screening Program successfully screened 99.2 per cent of Alberta-born infants and reported screen results for 98.95 per cent of those infants within 10 days.
- Overall program participation is consistent with that of the previous fiscal year (99.27 per cent).
- The four new screening conditions include:
- congenital cytomegalovirus: Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a condition that can result in various health issues for the baby, including hearing loss, vision impairment, intellectual disability and developmental delays.
- argininosuccinic aciduria: Argininosuccinic aciduria is a rare genetic disorder with symptoms that can include poor feeding, vomiting, lethargy, developmental delays, seizures and coma. Treatment often involves a special diet and medications to manage ammonia levels.
- guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency: Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that can lead to developmental delays, seizures and other problems.
- mucopolysaccharidosis type 1: Mucopolysaccharidosis type 1 (MPS I) is a rare genetic disorder that can cause skeletal abnormalities, organ enlargement, heart and respiratory problems, developmental delays, intellectual disability, and vision and hearing loss.
Related links
- Premier Danielle Smith’s 2023 mandate letter (Issued July 18, 2023)
- Alberta Newborn Screening Program
- Calgary Health Foundation
- Alberta Women’s Health Foundation