Close the
Gap is Australia's largest ever campaign to improve the health of Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people.
The Close
the Gap campaign was launched in 2006 and seeks:
- implementation and monitoring of a comprehensive National Action Plan (developed in partnership with Indigenous communities and health organisations)
- meaningful partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and health services
- improvements to Indigenous participation, control and delivery of health services
- a commitment to provide adequate and long-term financial resources including strengthening of the Indigenous health workforce
- a way to address critical social issues that impact Indigenous health (including poor housing, nutrition, employment and education)
The campaign's goal is to close the health and life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation. The campaign is built on evidence that shows that significant improvements in the health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can be achieved within short time frames.
It seems
hard to believe, but Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are still
dying 10 to 17 years younger than other Australians. The poorer health
of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples when compared to
the non-Indigenous population is no secret – and something can be done about
it.
By joining
our efforts we can make sure that by 2030 every Aboriginal or Torres Strait
Islander child born in this country has the same opportunity as other
Australian children to live a long, healthy and happy life.
Everyone
can make a difference. One way of making
a difference is through supporting Aboriginal Enterprises within the Fair Trade
Shop.
You can also sign Oxfam’s pledge; https://act.oxfam.org/australia/close-the-gap-pledge
For more information:
https://www.oxfam.org.au/what-we-do/indigenous-australia/national-close-the-gap-day/
or
