ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER HEALTH

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE AND ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER HEALTH A major component of the solution to addressing the unacceptable health outcomes experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is comprehensive primary health care - “comprehensive primary health care is central to achieving real outcomes and health benefits for Aboriginal people, rather than a selective or disease-. [...] Central elements of this include: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control and engagement – there is a full and ongoing participation by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations in all levels of decision-making affecting their health, and Partnership – partnership and shared ownership between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Governments and ser. [...] PRIMARY HEALTH NETWORKS AND ABORIGINAL and TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER HEALTH A key guiding principle in the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Health Plan (2013-2023) is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community control and engagement – “Health issues must be addressed at a community level. [...] Recommended Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander focused initiatives for PHNs include: Ensure an appropriate representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on Clinical Councils and Community Advisory Committees Recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health needs in population health plans and pro- actively engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in unders. [...] The challenges in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health are well documented and solutions reside in the ability of individuals and organisations in the health sector, and beyond, to work together in ways that are cognisant of cross- cultural needs and address the social determinants of health.