Aboriginal society and health: Critical issues demand what from sociologists?

Ian Anderson
Centre for the Study of Health and Society, VicHealth Koori Health Research and Community Development Unit, Department of Public Health, Parkville VIC

PP: 5 - 20

Abstract

In contemporary health policy and strategy, Aboriginal health is a clearly identified priority. This has not always been the case. The development of a national, strategic and coordinated approach to Aboriginal health is in fact a relatively recent event.

The National Aboriginal Health Strategy (National Aboriginal Health Strategy Working Parry 1989) was the first national strategy in Aboriginal health to be endorsed by the key Commonwealth, State/Territory and Aboriginal community stakeholders. This strategy is currently being reviewed (Anderson 2002).

However in broad terms the approach taken to achieving Aboriginal health gain, as outlined in the strategy consultation papers, is unchanged from the approach taken in the original strategy (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Council [NATSIHC] 2001).

Article Text

The overarching goal for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy is to ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples live a long and healthy life enriched by a strong living culture, dignity and justice. This goal encompasses five specific aims:

  1. increase life expectancy
  2. decrease mortality rates in the first year of life
  3. decrease all causes mortality rates across all ages
  4. reduce the impact of: chronic diseases particularly cardiovascular disease, diseases of the endocrine systems and cancers; and infectious disease, particularly infections in the children and the elderly, the blood-borne diseases
  5. enhance social and emotional well-being and reduce the impact of: mental disorder, substance misuse; and injury and poisoning

(NATSIHC 2001: xv)

View references

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