JSM - Edition Two

I ndigenous C hildren across A ustralia F ace I nequalities in R egard to H ealth C are - continued The Indigenous Health and medical council of Australia describes that “Indigenous Health means not just the physical well-being of an individual but refers to the social, emotional and cultural well-being of the whole community so each individual is able to achieve their full potential.” The Government of Australia is currently focusing on increasing access to health care for Indigenous Australians through (Closing the Gap) programs. This includes free prescription forms and higher rebates when doctors treat Indigenous patients. The goal is by 2030, every Indigenous Australian would have the same opportunity to access health care than any other Australian. Thankfully there have been some improvements in recent years. Women are now expected to live 3 years more than a decade ago, but sadly one in five Indigenous Australians still smoke. Infant death rates measured in 2004 had fallen by 1/3 in aboriginal populations compared to 15 years earlier, but sadly this is still more than double the rate in the rest of Australia. “There is no quick fix for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and well-being. We need rock solid commitment with structures in place that will survive terms of Government,” said Mick Gooda, Close the Gap Co-Chair. This is not a problem only in Australia, Globally this is huge issue and the statistics are not any better. In Peru the native (Indigenous) mortality rates are shocking, out of every thousand babies born, two hundred and fifty Indigenous children die at birth. Education of parents and low school attendance. “The 2015 NAPLAN results have gaps in Indigenous education outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians and the gaps are large and persistent” - National Indigenous Television. Children born in Indigenous families often live in rural and remote areas and Indigenous youth and children grow up not only having limited or no access to health care, but also limited access to a good education and not even learning about good nutrition and lifestyle habits. Unfortunately these facts have been passed down through generations, and it’s very hard to break the cycle. In addition, some Indigenous families may feel that their culture is not understood and main stream health services can make them feel unwelcome.

Aboriginal students in remote areas failing national standards (2009 data)

Year 3 Year 5 Year 9 Numeracy 70.6% 70% 68% Reading >60% 85.4% 89.6% Writing 73% 88.9% 91.1%

I may not be an Indigenous girl in Australia, I’m a well-educated girl with outstanding access to health services, but deep down I want to take action for those without these benefits that I take for granted. So there is no better challenge to support than one in our own back garden-improving the health care for indigenous Australian children. When we hear these terrible statistics it reminds us how fortunate we are, and the importance of raising awareness and assisting with this national issue. So as a privileged school, Somerset College should celebrate national ‘Close The Gap’ Day, and raise awareness hoping for the next generation to have health equality.

A lice J ones Y ear 5R

JSM Edition Two

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