More must be done to halt alarming rise in diabetes
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A greater political focus on preventative and primary health and addressing disadvantage is needed to arrest the alarming rise of diabetes revealed today says Cath Smith, CEO of the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS).
“Diabetes and kidney disease are particularly prevalent among disadvantaged people and today’s reports of a 70 percent jump in admissions for dialysis treatment since 2001 shows the devastating impact on the community.”
“Social inequality and disadvantage are major risk factors for chronic illness and we know the prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes is higher for disadvantaged population groups.”
“Chronic disease causes 80 per cent of the total burden of disease in Victoria, and accounts for nearly 70 per cent of allocated health expenditure.”
“The State Government has committed to addressing chronic illness but it is critical to develop health promotion and prevention strategies targeted to specific groups, such as those from low socio-economic groups and Indigenous Victorians.”
“We need increased and sustained investment in preventative health and early intervention strategies, including health promotion initiatives and better access to primary health supports and investment in health equity.”
“Indigenous Victorians in particular have higher death rates from chronic disease than other Victorians, with the death rate for diabetes being nearly 14 times greater than that of other Victorians.”
“Our political leaders will need to produce policies to better support primary and preventative health approaches if we are going to address the inequity in health outcomes for disadvantaged Victorians.”
For more information, or to arrange an interview
contact John Kelly – M: 0425 701 080Follow the conversation at www.twitter.com/vcoss
VCOSS
Level 8, 128 Exhibition Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
T: 03 9654 5050 F: 03 9654 5749 W: vcoss@vcoss.org.au E: vcoss@vcoss.org.au