The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) has proudly unveiled the Victorian Aboriginal Cancer Journey Strategy 2023-2028.
This initiative identifies key areas within the healthcare system that require investment and development.
By placing culture, kinship and community at it's core, the strategy aims to enhance the cancer care experience and achieve improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
In recognition of the growing disparity in cancer outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Victorians, the strategy has been meticulously crafted.
Alarming statistics reveal that Aboriginal Victorians face twice the risk of cancer diagnosis and three times higher mortality rates compared to their counterparts.
To assist in bridging this gap, VACCHO, in collaboration with Department of Health, has commissioned and conducted extensive research through active community engagement.
Developed within the principles of trust and the social, cultural, political and historical determinants of health, the Strategy is comprised of four Strategic Directions:
- Self-determination
- A strong and supported Aboriginal workforce
- Cultural connection
- A culturally safe and responsive health system.
A statewide model for Aboriginal Cancer Coordination will be developed, involving the resourcing of roles for Aboriginal Cancer Coordinators in appropriate services within identified regions.
In order to put this into practice, it's crucial to establish partnership frameworks between Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and mainstream-acute services, as well as cancer agencies.
These frameworks will promote collaborations and joint commitments to ensure unwavering support for Indigenous people and their families with cancer during their journey.
The model for these frameworks will involved inclusive consultations with the community, including those who have personally experienced cancer, as well as engagement with government entities and cancer stakeholders in Victoria.
VACCHO chief executive and cancer survivor Jill Gallagher expressed hope that this strategy will make a significant impact by reducing cancer-related illness and mortality within Indigenous communities in Victoria.
"One of our biggest challenges has been Closing the Gap in cancer outcomes. This strategy presents the pathway for us to change that for good," she said.
"To enable individuals and their families to engage with prevention, cancer screening and early detection, we need approaches that are developed by our communities, for our communities."
"Attempts to address this situation at the national and state level, have not enabled self-determination. For improved access, cultural safety, and adequate support, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people need to be in the driver's seat."
The full strategy can be viewed on the VACCHO website.
