Chronic health conditions have devastating effects on Aboriginal communities across the state of New South Wales. The disproportionately high rates of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart, kidney and lung disease significantly contribute to premature mortality rates in Aboriginal populations. The AH&MRC focuses on the prevention, early detection and optimal management of chronic conditions, with a view to eliminating the life expectancy disparities and health equity gap currently experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

For Aboriginal people, health is defined as, “not just the physical wellbeing of an individual but refers to the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole community in which each individual is able to achieve their full potential as a human being thereby bringing about the total wellbeing of their Community. It is a whole of life view and includes the cyclical concept of life – death – life” (National Aboriginal Health Strategy, 1989). For this reason, AH&MRC is committed to supporting our Member Services to continue delivering the high quality, holistic and comprehensive primary health care they have pioneered.

The AH&MRC Chronic Conditions Program delivers a range of activities including:

1. Providing cultural expertise, advice and support to key stakeholders, Aboriginal community-led organisation and programs.
2. Promoting effective local area partnerships and participation in working groups
3. Facilitating professional development for Aboriginal Health Workers in our ACCHS sector
4. Linking ACCHSs to adequate resources, expertise and strong partners of the AH&MRC