Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health initiatives and programs

This program funds Primary Health Networks to engage culturally appropriate mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Trachoma still occurs in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We work with the affected states and territories to identify, treat and prevent this condition. We also report to the World Health Organization’s program to eradicate trachoma across the world.

We provide core funding for the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. It provides the evidence base to inform practice and policy in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health by making research and other knowledge readily accessible.

The Australian Nurse–Family Partnership Program supports women who are pregnant with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander baby to help them become the best mum possible. Nurses make home visits to provide guidance during early pregnancy, the baby's infancy and into toddlerhood.

Care for Kids’ Ears helps parents, carers, teachers, teachers’ aides, early childhood workers and health professionals recognise and prevent ear disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Connected Beginnings prepares Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children for school. The program supports both children from birth to school age and pregnant women. It aims to close the gap in school readiness and education outcomes between First Nations children and non-Indigenous children.

The Indigenous Australians’ Health Programme (IAHP) funds high-quality health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It funds Indigenous-led, culturally appropriate initiatives to increase access to health care and improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Indigenous Health Research Fund is investing $160 million in Indigenous-led research to tackle health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live with complex chronic conditions. It often provides one-on-one support to help people manage their conditions and get the health care they need. It also helps health services provide culturally appropriate care.

The Australian Government is investing in a multi-year Intergenerational Health and Mental Health Study (IHMHS). The IHMHS will provide the most complete picture ever collected of Australia's physical and mental health.