An Aboriginal-led consortium approach to chronic disease action for health equity and holistic wellbeing

Kim Morey, Odette Pearson, Leda Sivak, Katharine Brown, Gloria Mejia, Kate Colmer, Astrid Melchers, Wendy Keech, Alex Brown

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Issue Addressed: The Wellbeing Economy, which places human and ecological wellbeing at the centre of policy making, aligns with holistic Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander conceptualisations of health and wellbeing. In order to address chronic diseases in South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, the South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium (Consortium) is fostering action in ways that align both with the Wellbeing Economy and with Health in All Policies (HiAP) approaches. Methods: In June 2017, the Consortium was established as a collaborative partnership between government and non-government organisations, researchers, Aboriginal organisations and communities to lead the effective implementation of three state-wide chronic disease plans. A coordinating centre was funded to support and progress the work of the Consortium. Results: During its first 5 years, the Consortium has developed a foundation for sustained system reform through partnering with stakeholders, leading projects and initiatives, advocating for key priorities, leveraging existing infrastructure and funding, supporting services, and coordinating delivery of priority actions using innovative approaches. Conclusions: Through the Consortium governance structure, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, policy actors, service providers and researchers oversee, drive, influence and support the implementation of priority action initiatives. Sustained funding, competing priorities of partner organisations and project evaluation are constant challenges. So What?: A consortium approach provides direction and shared priorities, which foster collaboration across and between organisations, service providers and the Aboriginal community. Aligning with HiAP approaches and the Wellbeing Economy, it harnesses knowledge, networks and partnerships that support project implementation and reduce duplication.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)634-643
Number of pages10
JournalHealth Promotion Journal of Australia
Volume34
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - Jul 2023

Keywords

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
  • cancer
  • cardiovascular disease
  • chronic disease
  • diabetes
  • health services
  • indigenous
  • intersectoral collaboration
  • policy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Community and Home Care
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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