Article 25 from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states clearly a basic human right. “Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services” (The Universal Declaration of Human Rights). When looking at the Aborigines or Indigenous Australia, many will come to learn that Article 25 is violated. Since the beginning of their known existence and interaction with other human beings from different races or nationalities, they have been discriminated (Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization).
In December of 2007, another step was taken into the health of the Indigenous people of Australia. The Council of Australian Governments (contains the Prime Minister, Territory Chief Ministers, State Premiers, etc) began a partnership with all government levels for one goal (COAG). ‘Close the Gap’ was the name given to this campaign by Oxfam Australia and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organization. They were going to begin working with Indigenous communities to aid in their health. ‘Closing the gap’ of around seventeen years difference between the life expectancy within the same generation of other Australians was their target. As well, diminishing the number of deaths before the age of ten in half. (Oxfam Australia). A group of various organizations and healthy groups (dentists, nurses, and doctors) gathered preparing to conquer the difference in life expectancy and health status from the other Australians to the Indigenous. By 2018, their plan is for the life expectancy to be the same as any Australian, and the health of the Indigenous to be greatly improved (Closing the Gap).
Due to the neglect of health care in their communities, the ill were ignored and never had access to proper medical treatment. Many of their causes of death could have been prevented with simple medication or better living conditions. Only 6% of the patients in hospitals around Australia were considered to be Indigenous Australians (Health FAQs). Some of the causes of death include circulatory diseases, cancers, diabetes, external injuries, and in some cases multiple sicknesses. In a 2003 survey of causes of deaths related with age, a significant of Indigenous people died of a sickness at a earlier age than other Australians. External injuries, like any other, can be fatal for a person of any social class, but in these small communities without the proper treatment, the toll of death was a lot higher (Mortality). Without immediate medical attention, cuts and wounds develop infections that could be prevent with care. Contagious sicknesses can also be a large cause of death when they are living in such tight communities.
The change for the better is on it way. The Indigenous communities continue to be noticed daily and more and more organizations and groups of people are trying to do what they can for their violated rights. The amount of money and donations continue to rise towards the different Indigenous groups (Close the Gap). A lot of thought and effort has been put into this campaign and results are showing daily with improvements. Their health is on the road to improving and will hopefully in the future.
