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The process of colonisation had a significant impact on the health of Indigenous Australians. The introduction of new diseases and drug substances had severe effects as the frontier advanced. This was compounded by the social consequences of dispossession and marginalisation. Today the health status of Indigenous people compares poorly with that of other Australians. The following section provides an introduction to the types of health problems that Indigenous people may experience.
Source: Brady, M. & Paradies, Y. (2005). Health and Wellbeing. In Macquarie Atlas of Indigenous Australia. Arthur, B. & Morphy, F. (Eds). Macquarie Library Pty Ltd; Macquarie University. pg 156-171.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Eye Health Program
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are ten times more likely to experience blindness than other Australians. The types of eye disorders prevalent in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people include trachoma, cataracts, diabetes and refractive errors. The program aims to increase access to eye health services and specialist support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by providing funding to Eye Health Coordinators nationally, for additional eye health training. Extra ophthalmic equipment has been provided to identified Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
Source: Department of Health and Ageing. (2005). Australian Government Directory of Services for Older People. Australian Government; Canberra. pg 99.

Otitis Media and Hearing Loss
The incidence of Otitis Media and associated hearing loss in Aboriginal communities has been identified and recognized for many years. Studies conducted in urban, rural and remote Aboriginal communities across Australia indicate rates of Otitis Media, up to 10 times that found in the general population. Otitis Media is the general medical term for inflammation or infection of the middle ear.
The NSW Otitis Media Strategic Plan (PDF) for Aboriginal Children is an initiative of the NSW Government, aimed at enhancing the health and education status of Aboriginal people. The key focus is on service provision for Aboriginal families and children from birth to five years of age.

Dental Health
The extent of oral health problems amongst the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, particularly dental caries in children, is increasing whereas it is declining for other Australians. Dental caries is caused by acid-producing bacteria living in the mouth, which proliferate on sweet and sticky food. It is reversible in its early stages, but, if untreated, can cause irreversible damage. Severe Periodontal diseases (affecting the gums) are more prevalent for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages over 35 years than other Australian people. They are caused by bacterial infection associated with poor oral hygiene, infrequent dental visits, age, smoking, low education and income levels, and certain medical conditions, especially diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis.
A National Indigenous Oral Health Workshop PDF) was conducted in 2002 on behalf of the Australian Health Minister’s Advisory Council Standing Committee on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health. The report will provide input to the action plan being developed by the AHMAC National Advisory Committee on Oral Health.

Rheumatic Heart Disease
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in the Northern Territory are amongst the highest incidence of acute rheumatic fever in the world. This disease affects heart valves, heart muscle and its lining, the joints and the brain. Repeated bouts of acute rheumatic fever can develop into rheumatoid heart disease where permanent damage can be done to heart muscle and valves. Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are associated with overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions and other aspects of social and economic disadvantage. The Rheumatic Heart Disease Register provides a record of all known suspected cases of rheumatic heart disease in the Northern Territory, with an aim to improve patient care by establishing a reminder system for monthly penicillin injections and other medical follow-up attention.
Source: Department of Health and Ageing. (2005). Australian Government Directory of Services for Older People. Australian Government; Canberra. pg 108.
AIHW Bulletin 16: Rheumatic heart disease: all but forgotten in Australia except among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Cardiovascular Disease
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are up to 2.6 times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease than other Australian people. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program (ATSIP) aims to develop strategies to address issues of cardiovascular health by reducing the prevalence of risk factors in this target group. The Program also aims to increase access to appropriate information and services relating to ongoing prevention and management of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

National Indigenous Pneumococcal and Flu Immunisation Program
Influenza and pneumococcal diseases are major causes of preventable sickness and death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria and can cause pneumonia and blood infections. Flu is caused by a viral infection and can cause fever, muscle aches, headaches, sore throat and severe cough. This Program provides vaccination to high risk Indigenous adults specifically those over 50 and those between 15 and 49 years of age who have other medical conditions such as heart, kidney or lung disease, asthma or those who abuse substances. It is suggested that you have the flu vaccination every year and pneumococcal vaccine booster every five years. Free vaccination is available through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, state and territory immunization clinics, council clinics and medical practitioners.

Diabetes
Diabetes and its complications contribute to ill health, disability and premature death in Australia. The prevalence rate is two to four times higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people than other Australians. Diabetes related complications can include coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, blindness, kidney disease, amputation of limbs and impotence. There are a number of chronic disease programs that focus on diabetes and related conditions in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with a focus on enhancing early detection and management of the disease. Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services are involved in these programs.
Source: Department of Health and Ageing. (2005). Australian Government Directory of Services for Older People. Australian Government; Canberra. pg 100.

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