The fact Indigenous communities kept COVID-19 infection rates six times lower than the rest of Australia without a single death is proof that when they have control and autonomy over policies and programs, success follows.
The campaign’s report – its annual response to the government’s progress – says “the biggest killer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people” was the ongoing struggle for equality and cultural recognition. This exacerbated mental health problems, contributed to high rates of chronic disease and manifested in suicide rates twice as high as in the non-Indigenous community.
“As we have all said, time and again, we know what is best for our own health and wellbeing ... When control is in our hands, when we can exercise autonomy, we succeed.”Experts feared COVID-19 could have been disastrous for Indigenous communities because of overcrowding, existing chronic diseases and poor infrastructure.
juliepower Hi there, this article should follow the MindframeMedia guidelines about the safe reporting of suicide in Australia and not mention the means of suicide at the end. Describing the means can do more harm than good. It's jarring to see this in what is otherwise a great article.
juliepower Double check your family members are enrolled to vote.