Funded by the federal Department of Health and Ageing’s Targeted Translation Research Accelerator program, the $1 million pilot utilises the Diabetes Using Our Strengths Service (DUOSS) program co-designed by Indigenous Elders, Ramsay Connect and Australian Unity’s Aboriginal Home Health.

Ngemba woman and General Manager for Indigenous Business and Community Engagement at Australian Unity, Trish Oxford said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are six times more likely to die from diabetes than non-Indigenous Australians.

“Evidence shows that self-determination is an important factor in maintaining our health and wellbeing and it is critical that any diabetes interventions involve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in co-development, planning and implementation,” Ms Oxford said.

“The DUOSS program has been co-designed with Elders to ensure the delivery of services are specifically tailored to our mob and supports their self-management and long-term health outcomes.

“Australian Unity looks forward to working with University of Queensland and Ramsay Connect on delivering this pilot program and evaluating a framework for upscaling the service Australia-wide.”

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About Aboriginal Home Health
Australian Unity is committed to addressing some of the significant gaps in holistic wellbeing outcomes faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Our Aboriginal Home Health business plays a crucial role in ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are looked after in a culturally sensitive and holistic manner. We proudly provide culturally tailored home and community services that include helping our clients to connect and take part in community activities, such as NAIDOC Week, Reconciliation Week and Sorry Day.