National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER HEALTH PLAN 1
THE NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER HEALTH PLAN
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NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER HEALTH PLAN 2
Abstract
This report the health of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. These people mostly
suffer from non-communicable diseases which refer to chronic conditions. They are
disadvantaged in health and also in other aspects of the social life. A larger number of
indigenous Australians lack adequate education, appropriate housing and good jobs as compared
to non-indigenous Australians. These factors affect the functioning of the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people in the society as well as their health. These social facets not only contribute
to their ill health conditions but also worsen their prevailing healthiness. The report focuses on
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan which was a framework that was
developed to improve the health of the indigenous Australians in the decade from 2013 to 2023.
The policy guides all other stratagems and programmes formed to contribute to enhancement of
the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. From the report, it is clear that
health professional practice is an important factor in accomplishment of this goal. They help
provide primary health care to the indigenous Australians in a way that is culturally appropriate.

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER HEALTH PLAN 3
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Abstract......................................................................................................................................................2
Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................................3
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan.........................................................4
Introduction...............................................................................................................................................4
Description of the Plan..............................................................................................................................4
Social Determinants of Health among the Indigenous Australians....................................................5
Education.............................................................................................................................................5
Socio-economic position.....................................................................................................................6
Early Life.............................................................................................................................................6
Housing...............................................................................................................................................6
Burden of disease...................................................................................................................................7
Analysis of the Framework.......................................................................................................................8
Principles Guiding the Approach of the Health Plan..........................................................................8
1) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Control and Engagement..................................................8
2) Health Equality and a Human Rights Approach..........................................................................8
3) Accountability.............................................................................................................................8
4) Partnership...................................................................................................................................9
Implementation of the Framework......................................................................................................9
Recommendations................................................................................................................................10
Role of Professional Practice in the Plan...............................................................................................11
Primary Health care............................................................................................................................11
Provision of Quality Care...................................................................................................................11
Conclusion................................................................................................................................................12
References................................................................................................................................................14

NATIONAL ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER HEALTH PLAN 4
The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan
Introduction
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are medical conditions not caused by infectious agents.
They refer to chronic diseases which can progress slowly and last for long periods of time. They
are not however distinguished by their duration but by their non-infectious causes (Hunter, D.J.
and Reddy, 2013). Some chronic conditions, however, such as cancer, diabetes, autoimmune
diseases, stroke and heart disease can lead to quick deaths.As an evidence-based policy agenda,
the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Planis aimed at guiding programs and
strategies to enhance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. This policy was established to
provide a predominant framework which creates links with the principal health activities of the
Commonwealth and reveals areas that need attention to guide future effort and investment
relative to the healthiness of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people are Australia’s first peoples who have suffered extreme
hardships since colonization of the country by European settlers. These adversities not only
affects their health but also leads to decline of the richness of their health (Moatti, 2013). This
report describes and critically analyses one of the frameworks set aside to improve the group’s
health and wellbeing. It also provides some recommendations to help progress the effectiveness
of the framework and brings to light the role of health professionals in the same.