News

This World Health Day, Albury Wodonga Health is highlighting the role of research and collaboration in improving health outcomes for our community. 

The global theme for 2026 — “Together for health. Stand with science” — recognises the power of scientific collaboration to turn evidence into action.

At AWH, the CARISTA Study into thunderstorm asthma is one example of this in practice.

Led by the University of Melbourne, the study brings together health services and researchers across Victoria (including the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Alfred Health, Austin Health, Monash Health, Eastern Health, Albury Wodonga Health, Northern Health, Western Health, Queensland University of Technology, and AirHealth) to investigate people who may be at risk of thunderstorm asthma, a condition that is not well understood.

In Albury Wodonga, the impact is something our community has experienced firsthand. During a thunderstorm asthma event in November 2024, more than 200 patients presented to AWH Emergency Departments within 24 hours, and Ventolin supplies were in high demand. 

Manager of the Library & Research Office at AWH, Anna Griffith, said this event was a key factor behind AWH’s involvement in the study.

“We don't know what causes thunderstorm asthma, and this study is trying to understand what susceptible people might have in common, to help us protect our community in future events,” she said.

Local participants are undergoing specialised testing for environmental allergens, including those specific to the Albury Wodonga region, alongside lung function testing and ongoing symptom monitoring in the hay fever season.

“At our site, we are also testing participants for a fungi, Alternaria, as there is a hypothesis that people might be allergic to a fungus potentially found on rye grass in our region,” explained Anna. 

Emergency Department physician Joanna Manton and Nurse Practitioner Karen Pullen are leading the study locally, supporting participants and contributing to the broader research effort.

The study aims to identify the biomarkers that may help predict who is most at risk of asthma flare-ups during ryegrass pollen season, supporting more targeted prevention and response strategies.

Locally, the research is also strengthening our understanding of environmental risk factors, supported by the installation of a pollen counter at Wodonga Hospital by the Victorian Government, which may be used to inform future public health messaging.

This World Health Day, the CARISTA Study reflects how collaboration between clinicians, researchers, government and communities, at both local and global levels, can help advance knowledge and improve care.

Interested in being part of the research?

We’re inviting adults aged 18 to 70 with hay fever, asthma, or both to take part in the study.

By participating, you’ll help improve how we predict, detect and respond to thunderstorm asthma — both locally and beyond.

Register your interest here