Looking back at 2025: What we made possible together
2025 was a year of real progress for Chronic UTI Australia. From advocacy to education, supporting research and building connections with clinicians and policymakers, our volunteers worked hard to ensure people living with chronic UTI are seen, heard and supported. Below are the highlights of what we achieved together this year.
Advocating for recognition and better care
As covered in our 2025 annual report (available here), volunteers at Chronic UTI Australia spent 2025 pushing for formal recognition of chronic UTI and improvements in diagnosis and treatment for all forms of UTI. We engaged with major guideline bodies like the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Therapeutic Guidelines, highlighting the need for evidence-based care and patient perspectives.
A key win was the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand (USANZ) releasing its first position statement recognising chronic UTI as part of a disease spectrum. Chronic UTI Australia welcomed this step while calling for clearer diagnostic guidance, better treatment advice and ongoing collaboration with patients.
Supporting patients with resources and education
Patient support and education is at the heart of our work.
Refreshed website: Launched in April, the new site makes it easier for patients, clinicians and researchers to access reliable information and get involved.
Updated booklet: The free Understanding Chronic UTI booklet is an introduction to chronic UTI covering problems with UTI testing and treatment, FAQs, important research articles, and more—helping individuals navigate the challenges of chronic UTI.
Our patient resources are designed to help educate, connect and empower the chronic UTI community. View more of our free patient resources here.
Take Action campaign: raising voices nationwide
In July, Chronic UTI Australia launched the Take Action campaign (https://www.chronicutiaustralia.org.au/take-action/), asking the Australian Government to:
Recognise chronic UTI as a legitimate medical condition
Update outdated testing and treatment guidelines
Fund research and specialist clinics
Educate healthcare professionals.
The campaign encouraged patients to share their stories, contact local MPs and take part in awareness activities. It sparked strong political engagement and meetings with MPs from all major parties. Advocacy in this area will continue into 2026 to keep chronic UTI on the national agenda.
Research and collaboration
Chronic UTI Australia joined the University of Technology Sydney Consumer Advisory Group for research on an mRNA vaccine for chronic and recurrent UTI. Patient voices helped shape study design and communication, helping to ensure research is relevant and patient-centred.
Events, networking and clinician education
Throughout the year, Chronic UTI Australia volunteers attended professional events like:
HealthEd Women’s and Children’s Health Update
Bladder and Kidney Health Symposium
ASMR Gala Dinner.
These events help raise awareness, build networks and influence clinical practice.
The Doctors Treating Chronic UTI online group continued, offering Australian doctors a forum to connect with each other to share knowledge and discuss challenges treating chronic UTI. If you know a doctor who would like to join this group, please visit this page.
Funding and sustainability
By June 2025, the organisation had around $24,000 in funds, thanks to corporate donations and community support. Money went toward core projects like the Take Action campaign, attending events and conferences, website improvements and media training. Fundraising remains a key priority to keep programs running and patient voices amplified. If you would like to support our work, donations are gratefully received here.
Volunteers and governance
As a registered volunteer-run charity, strong governance and organisation are crucial. New leadership roles were introduced, daily operations managed smoothly and patient enquiries supported—all thanks to dedicated volunteers.
Looking ahead to 2026
Chronic UTI Australia is focused on continuing its mission in 2026:
Strengthening partnerships
Supporting patients and clinicians
Driving recognition, research and better care for all forms of UTI.
The progress of 2025 shows what’s possible when we all work together.
Thank you and how to help
A huge thank you to all our volunteers, patient advocates and sponsors like Feel Better Box. Your support makes everything we do possible.
If you would like to help, you can:
A message from our chairperson
On behalf of our management committee, I thank our partners and supporters for their collaboration, and, most importantly, our patient community for their trust, courage and persistence. Your voices are the foundation of our advocacy and the driving force behind change.
As we move into 2026, we will build on the momentum we have achieved so far — amplifying patient voices, advancing reform and working towards better recognition, clinical care and outcomes for all Australians living with chronic UTI.
Deirdre Pinto
Chairperson / Co-founder
Chronic UTI Australia Inc., 2025
Written by Andrea Sherwin
Co-founder / Secretary
Chronic UTI Australia Inc., 2025
Thank you to our 2025 sponsor
