title: Should the governments of 'developed' countries be held responsible for equalizing the indigenous health gap?
abstract: Across the globe there is significant variation between and within indigenous populations in terms of world view, culture, and socio-political forces. However, many indigenous groups do share a striking commonality: greater rates of non-communicable diseases and shorter life expectancies than non-indigenous compatriots. Notably, this health gap persists for 'developed' countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. The question of who is responsible for equalizing the gap is complicated. Using Australia as an exemplar context, this commentary will present arguments 'for' and 'against' the governments of developed nations being held liable for closing the indigenous health gap. We will discuss the history and nature of the health gap, actions needed to 'close the gap', and which party has the necessary resources to do so.
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health-Multidisciplinary International Research Training Program, Boston, MA, United States.
authors.forename: Parirash
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Abdolhosseini
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health-Multidisciplinary International Research Training Program, Boston, MA, United States.
authors.forename: Chantel
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bonner
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health-Multidisciplinary International Research Training Program, Boston, MA, United States.
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Montano
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health-Multidisciplinary International Research Training Program, Boston, MA, United States.
authors.forename: Yves-Yvette
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Young
authors.affiliation: Massey University-Institute of Food Nutrition and Human Health, Wellington, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wadsworth
authors.affiliation: Harvard School of Public Health-Multidisciplinary International Research Training Program, Boston, MA, United States.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Massey University-School of Sport and Exercise, Wellington, New Zealand dr.l.stoner@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stoner
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D002170:Canada; D019049:Developed Countries; D006076:Government; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D009520:New Zealand; D044382:Population Groups; D064890:Social Determinants of Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States
keywords: disparity; government; health care; health gap; indigenous health