Associate Ray Lovett. Image: Lannon Harley, ANU
The Australian National University (ANU) is launching the largest health and wellbeing study of Indigenous adults in the country. Associate Professor Ray Lovett from the ANU College of Health and Medicine is leading the large-scale Mayi Kuwayu study. "We are trying to plug gaps in data because there is this mistaken perception in Australia that being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is the cause of ill health," said Associate Professor Lovett. The cohort study will be the first of its kind to capture cultural data on what makes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people strong. Researchers will collect data on historical policy impacts such stolen generations and exposure to racism. "It is important because past policies likely contribute to intergenerational health and wellbeing outcomes for our mob," said Associate Professor Lovett. "Governments and statistical agencies are very reluctant to collect and report information on that." The Mayi Kuwayu Study team are urging all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians to participate in an effort have their say in future health policy.
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