Research Projects Focus on Health of Indigenous Children, Australia

Main Category: Pediatrics / Children's Health
Article Date: 21 May 2005 - 18:00 PDT

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Research projects in Western Australia and New South Wales targeting the health of Indigenous children will receive $6.5 million from the Australian Government.

Announcing the funding today, the Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott, said the four projects would be funded through the Healthy Start To Life initiative introduced last year and managed by the National Health and Medical Research Council.

In Western Australia, Curtin University of Technology will receive more than $1.6 million over five years to develop and evaluate a program for parents focusing on child rearing skills, and providing Indigenous children with knowledge and identification of Indigenous culture.

Edith Cowan University will receive more than $1.4 million over five years for a project which will focus on social and emotional development, teaching good health habits and community engagement.

In New South Wales, the University of Newcastle will receive more than $1.4 million over five years for a Type 2 diabetes and obesity prevention program for Indigenous primary school children in rural areas.

The University of Sydney will receive more than $2 million over five years to investigate the relationship between environmental determinants of health in a cohort study. This will involve 800 urban Indigenous families and approximately 2000 children.

"Indigenous health remains a significant challenge. Research projects such as these provide more information on identified problems and explore ways to address the problems. Providing Indigenous children with a better start in life will help improve their long term health," Mr Abbott said.

These projects complement the government's recent Budget commitment of $170 million for Indigenous health. Part of it includes more than $100 million over four years on a new program to improve the health of Indigenous mothers, babies and children and to reduce the impact of chronic diseases.

For further information call Kate Miranda, 0417 425 227

http://www.nhmrc.gov.au

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