3 May 2011

A new website aims to improve the respiratory health of Indigenous Australians by sharing important information about respiratory health care.

Professor Anne Chang of the Menzies Child Health Division says “Respiratory illness is the most common reason why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are hospitalized.

“A recent review on lung health care for Indigenous Queenslanders showed that the morbidity and mortality in the Indigenous population is substantially higher than the non- Indigenous population across all age groups and regions so this is an important area for us”.

Menzies School of Health Research is working with the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet to develop the LungInfoNet as a comprehensive new section of the HealthInfoNet website.

The LungInfoNet provides resources via the web for people working, studying, or interested in addressing respiratory disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This collaboration will provide up-to-date respiratory resources and assist in closing the gap in health between Indigenous and other Australians.

This web based resource has been designed to cater to an audience of mixed cultural and educational backgrounds and include reviews; guidelines; resources and equipment; services, programs, projects and lessons learned; policies and strategies; publications; and links.

“We aim to provide quality information and resources about respiratory disease among Indigenous Australians.” Prof Chang said.

The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is an innovative Internet resource that is used extensively by the health sector to inform practice and policy in Indigenous health by making the evidence base readily accessible via the Internet www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au. The HealthInfoNet is a not for profit service which is funded primarily by the Department of Health and Ageing.

Menzies researchers are currently collecting information about research activity, funding opportunities, organisations, agencies and individuals working in the field, news and events and training programs in relation to respiratory disease to be include on the LungInfoNet site.

“We encourage everyone to access this website and contact us if they have any content they wish to be added.”

Victoria Close, Communications Officer
Ph: 08 8943 5039 | Mob: 0421 469 817 | victoria.close@menzies.edu.au