Authors:
Eades SJ, Stanley FJ
Authors notes:
Medical Journal of Australia. 2013;199(1):12-13
Keywords:
Aboriginal children, First Nations, Health and wellbeing of children and young people, human capability, culturally safe, policies and programs, government
Abstract:
Health and wellbeing of children and young people are the keys to human capability of future generations.
Human capability includes the capacity to participate in economic, social and civil activities and be a valued contributor to society; it means that not only can you usefully live, work and vote, but you can be a good parent to your children.
Thus there is no better investment that the state can make than to influence factors that will enhance the health and wellbeing of children and youth.
Building on the Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth report, we need a consistent national framework for monitoring health status and an understanding of the impact of federal and state policies on First Nations children.
The exciting thing is that we now have a growing number of Aboriginal health care providers and other university-trained professionals to employ to make services effective.
We have equity in medical student intakes which augurs well for future progress in this critical area.
The dream of having appropriate, culturally safe policies, programs and services for our First Nations children can become a reality if it is supported and promoted by all levels of government.