Cardiovascular Disease is at a high level of prevalence in the Indigenous Populations of Australia
Video
This video outlines the health issues that Indigenous Populations in Australia face and describes the fact that Indigenous groups on average die earlier than other Australians. It focuses on multiple reasons for this statistic not just the prevalence of CVD however is interesting to look at to introduce the realities of the health crisis facing Indigenous Australians. It also explains that one important social change which would assist to close this gap is education. From education on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse to further graduate education changes to get more Indigenous people in the medical workforce. This …show more content…
(Anderson et al. 2006) (Hunter, 2010) ‘Clinicians are now… more informed and resourced’ however this informed attitude is ‘part’ of a wider political movement. (Hunter 2006, 2007) (Hunter, 2010) A leading change from the 1960s to now is the ‘presence of Indigenous health professionals as clinicians and advocates’ (Fewquandie 2008) (Hunter, 2010) and ‘researchers and theorizers.’ (Brown 2009) (Hunter, 2010) Such Indigenous expertise is essential to asserting the social and political control which is a precondition to sustained health …show more content…
The development of a ‘National Action Plan’ between ‘Indigenous communities and health organizations.’ (Oxfam Australia, 2011)
2. ‘Improvements to Indigenous participation and control of health services.’ (Oxfam Australia, 2011)
3. Provision of ‘long-term financial resources’ and ‘strengthening of the Indigenous health workforce.’ (Oxfam Australia, 2011)
4. Looking at ‘social issues’ which influence the health of these populations. (Oxfam Australia, 2011)
In a similar form to the Close the Gap Campaign, the Alice Springs Workshop outlined areas to be addressed as priorities. (Field, Wakerman and Nash, 2000)
1. ‘Interventions aimed at risk factors for CVD and the associated cluster of risk factors’ (Field and Wakerman, 2002)
2. ‘Food supply issues’ to rural areas (Field and Wakerman, 2002)
3. Enhancing Indigenous ‘control and participation’ in health services and the environment (Field and Wakerman, 2002)
4. Form ‘a strategic research program to address cardiovascular disease and related disorders in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and rural and remote settings’ (Field and Wakerman, 2002)
5. Health services models (Field and Wakerman, 2002)
6. Looking at social and economic inequalities (Field and Wakerman,