Partnerships in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research [article]

Tamara Riley, University, The Australian National, University, The Australian National
2020
This thesis comprises a collection of applied epidemiological studies including an evaluation and epidemiological study, an outbreak investigation, and a data analysis. All studies are focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander One Health (which recognises that the health of people is related to the health of animals and their interaction with the environment), sexual health, and child health. All studies highlight the importance of partnerships and community involvement. The first study
more » ... s an evaluation of a community driven animal health and management program in the remote Aboriginal community of Wadeye in the Northern Territory. Wadeye has approximately 2300 residents and 650 dogs and cats. However, there is very limited access to veterinary care and animal medicines. To address community concerns regarding animal health, an animal health and management program was co-developed and implemented by Animal Management in Rural and Remote Indigenous Communities (AMRRIC) and the Thamarrurr Development Corporation (TDC) Rangers, with support from the West Daly Regional Council. This study is a quantitative epidemiological study that evaluated the impact of this animal health and management program in Wadeye. This included analysing animal and human health outcomes before and after program implementation to assess the impact of the animal program on the health of animals and people within the community. This study involved engagement and partnerships with AMRRIC and TDC, as well as the community of Wadeye. The second study is an outbreak investigation analysing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) notifications among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population in Far North Queensland to determine if an outbreak has occurred. The Tropical Public Health Unit - Cairns observed an increase in HIV notifications since 2014 affecting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. HIV has been notifiable in Queensland since 1984. This study is a quantitative descriptive analysis, using the Queensland Noti [...]
doi:10.25911/5e58de6ee1c1e fatcat:trtw37focrcsbb7qjrtnjmgedy