Benefits of SIDS campaign must be spread to all Australians - AMA
Dr Michael Rice, Chair of the AMA's Child and Youth Health Committee, today paid tribute to SIDS and Kids for their sustained public health education campaign that has resulted in a dramatic drop in the number of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome deaths in Australia.
On Red Nose Day 2003, Dr Rice said the number of SIDS deaths in Australia has fallen from 379 in 1991 to 129 in 2000 - a reduction of 66 per cent.
"But, to Australia's shame, the success of the SIDS campaign has not been shared equally by all Australians," Dr Rice said.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants are five times more likely to be affected by SIDS than other Australian infants.
"Sadly, the incidence of SIDS among Indigenous children is just one example of the appalling health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.
"Good work has been done on SIDS but more work is needed.
"Governments and communities must work towards reducing health inequalities, particularly for the young and vulnerable.
"We cannot afford to leave whole groups of people behind. Poor Indigenous health outcomes are linked to poverty and reduced life chances generally. They commence at birth and continue throughout the life cycle.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are twice as likely to be low birth weight, and have average death rates (between 0-14 years) of 2.5 times those of other Australian children.
"The link between poor health and impaired education opportunities is well established.
"Need must dictate funding priorities. It is vital that kids at risk are allocated funding at a level that recognises their relative disadvantage," Dr Rice said.
The AMA believes it is critically important that culturally appropriate programs are established to build on existing strengths within Indigenous communities.
"This will involve consultation with key community leaders on program design and implementation. Effective preventative programs should target the whole community to avoid stigma and employ Indigenous workers wherever possible," Dr Rice said.
CONTACT: Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306