This week I will be wearing a green awareness ribbon in recognition of Mitochondrial (Mito) Disease Week (19-25 September 2021).

Mito disease is a devastating genetic disease which robs the body’s cells of energy, causing multiple organ dysfunction or failure. One in 200 Australians are carriers and one in 5,000 will develop the life-threatening symptoms of the disease.

Legislation has been introduced to Parliament to legalise the mitochondrial donation IVF technique. If the bill is passed, this procedure will give Australia the tools to prevent mito disease from being passed on to the next generation of Australians.

More information about mito disease is available on the Mito Foundation’s website.