Rio Tinto and Kulunga are working together to improve child health outcomesKeeping kids healthy is a team effort, which is why Rio Tinto supports a community approach to child health issues.

In 2008 a new health research project was initiatied with the Telethon Institute of Child Health Research, through the Kulunga Research Network.

Building on the success of a previous national  five year partnership, the Rio Tinto Aboriginal Health Partnership responds to a call from aboriginal community health workers for greater training, development and support opportunities in the area of maternal and child health.

Based on research and community consultation in the Pilbara, Kimberley and Kwinana, this two year project will provide practical tools and activities to help close the gap in aboriginal health outcomes.

Kulunga Senior Research Officer, Heather Monteiro said that the project provides a unique opportunity to identify the needs and priorities of Aboriginal Health Workers in order to develop a range of resources designed specifically to address them.

"Community consultation is a key component of this project which will help to ensure that the resources developed are not only practical, but culturally appropriate for use within aboriginal communities," Ms Monteiro said.

"We will work with Aboriginal Health Workers and local community organisations to ensure that the resources developed will meet their needs and assist them to achieve positive outcomes for Aboriginal children and their families."

The project will also include awarding scholarships in 2009 to Aboriginal Health Workers from throughout Western Australia, to enable them to complete further studies in the field. A final symposium is also planned, providing an opportunity to share ideas and outcomes of the projects with health care professionals.

Further information about the Rio Tinto Aboriginal Health Partnership can be found at www.ichr.uwa.edu.au./kulunga