Technical Paper 1:
Obesity in Australia: a need for urgent action
8. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan (NATSINSAP) 2000–2010
- 1 - Executive summary
2 - Obesity in Australia- 3 - Obesity prevention
- 4 - Potential initiatives
- Conclusion
- References
Addendum for October 2008 to June 2009- 1. New evidence on global perspectives on obesity
- 2. New evidence on obesity in Australia
- 3. New studies on the impact of obesity
- 4. New initiatives for obesity prevention and control
- 5. Strengthen, upskill and support primary healthcare and public health workforce to support people in making healthier choices
- 6. Maternal and child health
- 7. Disadvantaged communities
- 8. The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan (NATSINSAP) 2000–2010
- 9. Build the evidence base, monitor and evaluate effectiveness of actions
- References
NATSINSAP19 provides a framework for action to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing through better nutrition. NATSINSAP was designed to build on existing efforts to improve access to nutritious and affordable food across urban, rural and remote communities across all levels of government, in conjunction with partners from industry and the non-government sector. Developed in recognition that poor diet is central to the poor health and disproportionate burden of chronic disease experienced by Indigenous Australians, NATSINSAP highlights seven key areas for action to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing through better nutrition:
- Food supply in remote and rural communities
- Food security and SES
- Family-focused nutrition promotion: resourcing programs, disseminating and communicating ‘good practice’
- Nutrition issues in urban areas
- The environment and household infrastructure
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nutrition workforce
- National food and nutrition information systems
In order to achieve improvements in Indigenous nutrition, clear and specific objectives, actions and goals with adequate resourcing for implementation are required. The results of the NATSINSAP evaluation should be used to identify successful components of the project. Initiatives for improving indigenous nutrition must be better positioned to be central to the funding available within indigenous health rather than outsourced; similarly, a central coordinating body is required. Clearly established lines of accountability for implementation are also essential.
19See www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pubhlth-strateg-food-nphp.htm