GenV lifts off This generation faces increasing rates of complex health and development problems. To help transform the health of our newest Victorians, and generations to come, we are asking parents of newborns to choose to share their information with us to give us an inclusive and precise understanding of health and wellbeing across Victoria. This year saw the first babies recruited into GenV – a sophisticated research project, funded by the Paul Ramsay Foundation and the Victorian Government, with a simple goal: a better approach to child health, development and wellbeing.
New application of GenV Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) testing as part of GenV Teddy, 3, was born profoundly deaf and with cerebral palsy. “If his cCMV diagnosis wasn’t picked up so quickly, he would be further behind in his gross motor skills,” Teddy’s mum, Victoria, said. “Having the awareness early meant we received support quickly and our specialists have been on top of everything.” Associate Professor Valerie Sung will work with GenV families to find out just how common cCMV is among Victorian newborns and the long-term outcomes for babies. The results should help determine whether universal newborn cCMV screening is warranted and support the development of a rapid same-day test that could lead to early treatment. 34
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Watch Teddy’s story
Scan to watch GenV in action Annual Report 2021
Celebrating 35 years
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