A Northern Territory study shows the death rates for Australian Aborigines
with chronic diseases have shown their first tentative signs of slowing down.
The 25-year analysis shows death rates from six different chronic illnesses rose between 1977 and 2001.
However there is now evidence the rate of increase is finally slowing and the death rate from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease even fell.
Australia’s Health Minister, Tony Abbott said the Aboriginal health figures were encouraging however Australia could not afford to be complacent.
He said spending on Aboriginal health must be maintained to guarantee improvements in death rates from diseases.