We have much to be proud of in Australia, and in heart health we have led the world, but the health of the nation's indigenous population remains sorely neglected. In terms of cardiovascular disease alone, the greatest disparity in our community occurs in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, where mortality rates are three times the rate of the rest of the population. Life expectancy is 20 years less and the median age of death is just a little over 50 years. Only two to six per cent of Indigenous Australians are aged over 65. Cardiovascular disease strikes early in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: those aged 25 - 54 are 12 times more likely to suffer from heart disease than the rest of the population. Behind that is diabetes, which is at least four times more common but much more lethal in this group.
In context of these figures, and as part of our mission to reduce death and disability from cardiovascular disease, Baker IDI Central Australia is an initiative that is solely committed to addressing this inequality. A satellite unit of Baker IDI based at Alice Springs, Baker IDI Central Australia was established to conduct community-based, scientific and clinical research to improve the health of the nation's most disadvantaged group. Led by indigenous physician Dr Alex Brown, this centre is devoted to indigenous vascular and diabetes research. Baker IDI Central Australia is a carefully planned and managed effort spearheading Baker IDI's efforts to improve the vascular health of Australia's Indigenous population.
The three diseases that represent the most significant health burden in indigenous communities are kidney disease, heart disease and diabetes. Baker IDI’s research program is conducted in close consultation with local communities, working with existing community services and designed to have an immediate effect on vascular health while improving mortality rates in future generations.
The major program themes of Baker IDI Central Australia's research
Clinical Epidemiological Research
Explaining the complex and inter-related burden of diabetes, heart and kidney disease among Aboriginal Australians at different stages of life.
Prevention
Identifying, implementing, and evaluating the most effective methods of preventing cardiovascular disease in Aboriginal people.
Early detection
Identification and management of early markers of disease in Aboriginal people, so as to prevent cardiovascular events (for example, heart attack, stroke and sudden death).
Health services research
Supporting existing Aboriginal health services by evaluating chronic disease care and developing alternate models of care for Indigenous people.
