Koolin Balit: Victorian Government Strategic Directions for Aboriginal Health

Running head: KOOLIN BALIT
Koolin Balit
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author note

1KOOLIN BALIT
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Description.......................................................................................................................................2
Priority area and at-risk groups........................................................................................................3
Three relevant social determinants..................................................................................................4
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................5
References........................................................................................................................................7

2KOOLIN BALIT
Introduction
Aboriginal living in Victoria experiences wide gap in life expectancies as there is huge
differences in the health outcomes between them and the general population. Therefore, the
purpose of the Koolin Balit, Victorian Government strategic directions for Aboriginal health
2012–2022 is to work in collaboration with Aboriginal communities, service providers and
government in achieving the commitment to improve their health in next 10 years. The plan
outlines a vision to improve quality and length of Aboriginal in Victoria measurably and
significantly. A healthy transition to adulthood is the key priority area; high-risk taking
behaviour and self-harm attitude among adolescents are the two high-risk groups and three
social determinants of Aboriginal health are social gradient, educational attainment and
environmental determinant as they have poor access to support services that will be critically
analysed in the following report.
Description
The overarching aim of the health review plan is to give direction, predictability and
stability to the commitment of the government in addressing Aboriginal health. This involves
strategic development and community planning that can assist health system to build
relationships and develop improved practices in fulfilling the health needs of Aboriginal
Victorians. The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organization created the
plan that is targeting the Aboriginal people living in Victoria to improve their health outcomes
(Health.vic.gov.au 2018). They are aimed at closing the life expectancies gaps for the Aboriginal
Victorians, reducing the differences in the morbidity, infant mortality rates and low birth weights
between Aboriginal people and general population (Health.vic.gov.au 2018). Moreover, it also
aims to improve the access to healthcare services and health outcomes for the Aboriginal
population. The key priority areas that are outlined in the plan are reduction in perinatal
mortality rates, healthy childhood, and healthy transition of children to their adulthood, caring
for the older people, addressing of risk factors and managing to provide better care to Aboriginal
people with effective services. High-risk behaviour and mental health issues among adolescents
are the at-risk groups that are acknowledged in the plan (Health.vic.gov.au 2018). The
determinants of Aboriginal health are education, social gradient and access to health services