Traditionally the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men was held in high esteem; their roles and those of women were complementary. Colonisation has undermined this and emasculated the leadership of Indigenous men. This process of oppression and dispossession has created the problems seen in Indigenous communities today. Indigenous males have the worst health outcomes of any population group and poor access to health services. Interventions to address these issues need to act at all levels. The approach to Indigenous male health is inclusive and broad – male specific, but aimed at general health and wellbeing. Examples of effective approaches include men’s groups, counselling services, interventions based around rugby league clubs and male-specific clinics. Building capacity, including Indigenous men’s health workforce development, is a critical part of the strategy.
Dr Wenitong’s presentation highlighted many of the similarities in Indigenous male health between Australia and Aotearoa, but more importantly helped to elucidate some key steps that we can take to advance Māori men’s health. Some significant work has been undertaken in Australia including policy initiatives such as the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health Framework (2004), much of which we can learn from. Important themes include the need for Māori men to take a leadership role in improving our own health, the value of building on existing work (including getting evidence for effectiveness of existing programmes), advocating for male services within our organisations, identifying the broader benefits of addressing the health of Māori men (healthy males = healthy relationships = healthy whānau = healthy communities), and making Māori men’s health part of the planning process for all new policy.
