A new framework to help prevent chronic health conditions in the Northern Territory has been released as part of a holistic approach to improving the health and wellbeing of Territorians.
In Australia, approximately 85 per cent of the total burden of disease is due to preventable chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and a range of cancers.
The new framework Healthy, Well and Thriving: 2024–2030 prioritises key risk factors including unhealthy diets, inactivity, alcohol, tobacco, and poor social and emotional wellbeing to improve long-term health outcomes.
Northern Territory PHN Chief Executive Officer, Gill Yearsley, is looking forward to implementing the new framework in the Territory.
“We know that health and wellness isn’t just about physical health. It’s about everything that helps people to feel fulfilled and to flourish,” Gill said.
“This framework is a commitment to not only provide high quality care to those who need it, but to also turn our attention to early intervention strategies that will support a system-wide approach to the prevention of chronic conditions.”
The framework takes a holistic approach to health, focusing on the social factors that lead to chronic conditions, especially in disadvantaged communities.
Reducing the impact of chronic disease will improve health and health equity outcomes across the NT, decrease the social cost of chronic conditions on individuals, families and communities, and lessen pressures on the health system.
The framework was developed in collaboration with NT Health and the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT).
