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Immune Deficiency Foundation of Australia (IDFA)

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Wollongong, NSW
Immune Deficiency Foundation of Australia (IDFA)

IDFA offers information and support to those affected by primary and secondary immune deficiencies.

Primary Immune Deficiencies (PID) are a group of potentially serious disorders in which inherited or acquired defects in the Immune System lead to increased infections and/or secondary disease. There are currently more than 400 known Primary Immune Deficiency disorders, with new ones being uncovered regularly.

25/03/2026

World PI Week 2026 | Think PI: We Can’t Wait

World PI Week is coming! Join the global campaign, and help us make a meaningful impact this April.

The 2026 theme “We Can’t Wait” focuses on early diagnosis, timely treatment, and support. Your story can help highlight the importance of recognising PI sooner and celebrating the healthcare heroes who help make it happen.

In addition to highlighting a healthcare Hero, you can be part of a global voice through the Jeffrey Model Foundation (JMF), attend our webinar, a Q&A-style session between an IDFA Member and Healthcare Professional, and help spread the word by sharing our campaign video (coming soon).

Throughout April, we’ll target healthcare professionals to boost awareness of immunodeficiencies.

👉 Find out more via our website: https://www.idfa.org.au/world-pi-week/website

24/03/2026

💻 Webinar | Think PI: Living Well with Immunodeficiency: Challenges, Support and Daily Strategies

In recognition of World PI Week, this webinar brings together an immunologist and an IDFA Member for a meaningful conversation about life with primary immunodeficiency.

Through shared insights and personal experience, they will explore the challenges of diagnosis, navigating care, and the realities of daily life with PI - while offering practical advice, hope and support for the broader community.

📅 Date: Wednesday, 29 April
⏰ Time: 7 pm AEST
📍 Location: Online

Can't attend? Register to get the recording!

📧 Send questions to info**@‌https://ow.ly/kCLA50Vw8wF** in advance to shape the webinar content.

🔗 Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HUiAivP-RNy97M1BcSWsjA #/registration

18/03/2026

Because No One Should Navigate Immunodeficiency Alone

Living with immunodeficiency or caring for someone who does can feel overwhelming at times. The IDFA Circle of Support is a free, one-on-one peer mentoring program designed to connect members with someone who truly understands the journey.

Through shared lived experience, mentors provide encouragement, practical insight, and a listening ear — helping members build confidence, strengthen self-management skills, and work towards personal wellbeing goals.

Whether you’re seeking support or ready to give back as a Peer Mentor, Circle of Support offers a safe and empowering space to grow.

Ready to connect, or interested in becoming a mentor?

https://www.idfa.org.au/community/circle-of-support/become-a-mentor-with-circle-of-support/

17/03/2026

Primary Immunodeficiencies (PIDs) are a group of rare and often underdiagnosed conditions that affect people from birth through adulthood and beyond.This min...

12/03/2026

Today we want to give a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful intern, Mun, who has been part of the IDFA team for more than a year. 💙

From the very beginning, Mun brought such great energy to the office. Her bubbly personality and infectious smile were always a joy to see each week, and she quickly became a valued member of our team.

Mun played an important role in supporting our work with the community, particularly through helping to develop and share member stories. Her care, dedication, and genuine interest in the experiences of our members truly shone through in the stories she helped bring to life.

We are so grateful for the time, passion, and positivity Mun shared with us over the past year. While we will certainly miss seeing her each week, we are incredibly excited for the next steps in her journey and all that lies ahead.

Thank you, Mun, for everything you have contributed to the IDFA community. We wish you all the very best for the future.

10/03/2026

🌟🎉 We are thrilled to announce the winner of our Rare Disease Day colouring competition. Congratulations to Billie.D from California Gully Primary School! 🥳🎨

Billie wowed us with creativity and imagination, bringing our colouring sheets to life with vibrant colours and unique designs. Thank you to all the young artists who participated! 🌼

As a special prize, Billie and will enjoy a fantastic day at the zoo with their family! 🦓🐧 We can't wait to see them exploring and having fun together.

This competition is all about raising awareness for primary immunodeficiencies and celebrating the creativity of our community. Thank you for engaging with us and supporting this important cause.

🌈 Keep an eye out for more exciting events and competitions in the future!

Rare Disease Day

08/03/2026

🌸 International Women’s Day 🌸

Today we recognise and celebrate women across the world — acknowledging the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, while continuing to call for accelerated action toward gender equality.

The 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” reminds us that progress happens when we lift each other up and work collectively to create meaningful change.

You may not know this, but the team at the Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia (IDFA) is made up entirely of women. We may be a small team, but together we work every day to ensure our members feel heard, seen and valued.

This photo was taken last weekend on Rare Disease Day, when we celebrated IDFA’s 20th Anniversary in Sydney. With more than 100 people in attendance, it was an incredible milestone — and one we are so proud to have delivered for our community.

Today, we celebrate women everywhere — and the power of community, collaboration and care. 💜

05/03/2026

As we celebrate 20 years of IDFA we are incredibly proud to be a finalist in the Charity Category of the IWIB Awards

04/03/2026

💻 Webinar | Managing Primary & Secondary Immunodeficiencies in General Practice

In collaboration with WentWest - Western Sydney PHN, this webinar aims to increase awareness and understanding of Primary Immunodeficiency (PI) and Secondary Immunodeficiency (SID) among GPs and healthcare professionals. Delayed diagnosis is common, leading to ongoing illness, reduced quality of life, and avoidable healthcare burden. Through clinical insights and lived experience stories, this session will support earlier recognition, timely referral, and improved patient outcomes.

Guest Speakers:
Carolyn Dews , CEO Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia (IDFA)
Javeria Khan , Member Immune Deficiencies Foundation Australia (IDFA)
Dr. Sara Yusuf , General Practitioner
Dr. Alisa Kane , Immunologist

Learning Outcomes
Identify the key differences between primary and secondary immunodeficiencies.
Recognise common signs, symptoms, and clinical “red flags” suggestive of PI or SID.
Determine when to investigate, when to refer, and how to work in partnership with immunology specialists.
Discuss the patient experience and barriers to diagnosis.
Identify support and resources available to patients and families.

Participants will be eligible to gain 1 EA CPD hours through the Royal College of General Practices.

GPs, Health Professionals and Service Providers are invited to attend.

📆Date: Thursday 12 March 2026
⏰Time: 7.30pm AEDT
📍Location: Online

Register here: https://ow.ly/O1ml50Ye34M

03/03/2026

📰 February Newsletter 📰

Hello, IDFA community! Our second newsletter for the year is hot off the press, and we can't wait to share all the fantastic updates, insights, and highlights with you!

Highlights in this month's edition:

✨ IPOPI Mini Documentary - The Life Journey with Primary Immunodeficiencies
✨ Community News: Young Adults in Our Community
✨ Tips and Resources: Moving from Child to Adult Care

And more...

👉 Dive into the full newsletter here:https://ow.ly/OehT50YoozF

To subscribe and receive these emails to your inbox, head over to our website: https://ow.ly/zpq650YoozE

01/03/2026

Last chance to Enter!🌈

We’re giving away one family pass to the zoo in your closest capital city — and entering is easy!

🎨 How to join the fun:
1️⃣ Download and print our 2026 Rare Disease Day colouring-in competition
2️⃣ Let your child get creative and complete their masterpiece
3️⃣ Send it back to us using the instructions provided

📅 Entries close: 6 March 2026
🏆 Winner announced: 10 March 2026

👉 Enter herehttps://www.idfa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/IDFA_RDD-Colouring-in-Comp-2026.pdf

This competition is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram.

Address

9/104 Crown Street
Wollongong, NSW
2500

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.idfa.org.au/

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Our Story

Primary Immune Deficiencies (P*s) are a group of potentially serious disorders in which inherited or acquired defects in the Immune System lead to increased infections and/or secondary disease. There are currently more than 400 genetically diagnosed Primary Immune Deficiency disorders, with new ones being uncovered regularly.

Secondary Immune Deficiencies (Sis) are caused by a decrease in antibodies that occur most commonly as a consequence of hematological malignancies, renal or gastrointestinal immunoglobulin loss, chemotherapy, organ transplantation, infectious diseases and corticosteroid, anticonvulsant or immunosuppressive medications, e.g. Rituximab (RTX). IDFA will initially support those patients receiving immunoglobulin replacement therapy. SIs are common in people who have had:

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)

Multiple Myeloma