CAUSE OF POOR HEALTH AMONG THE ABORIGINAL PEOPLE.

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RUNNING HEAD: CAUSE OF POOR HEALTH AMONG THE ABORIGINAL PEOPLE
Cause of poor health among the Aboriginal people
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CAUSE OF POOR HEALTH AMONG THE ABORIGINAL PEOPLE
Cause of poor health among the Aboriginal people
Whereas the history of the Australian people does not indicate the health status of the people,
there has been a direct correlation between the health of individuals and the social-political and
economic circumstances surrounding them. The indigenous population in Australia has remained
neglected over the years and of much concern is the aboriginal populations who had been denied
control over their lives for a long time until recently when it was agreed that the aboriginal
people should enjoy the rights just like other Australians. Despite the loss of land and livelihood
during the British colonization, the aboriginal people have remained neglected by the
governments which is evident in the limited access to health care of the people despite their poor
health status as compared to the health status of other Australians.
During colonization, the aboriginal people suffered from foreign diseases that were brought by
their colonizers. Many lost their lives, and others continued to suffer without any medical
assistance from the state and territorial government. It was not until in 1837 that a policy of
protection was put in place after decades of suffering. The aboriginal people were considered to
be inferior to the whites, and therefore, even after the policy, they were segregated in settlements
and reserves to ensure they did not spread communicable diseases to the whites.
Even after recognition as Australian citizens in 1960, the Aboriginal people have had problems
accessing health care like other non-indigenous Australians. Sherwood has shown in his article
shown that the indigenous people have continued to be affected by their colonial history
(Sherwood, 2013). “The implication of this lack of knowing, unfortunately, has left its effect on
the way health service providers have delivered health to indigenous children, mothers, fathers,
and their communities.”