The gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous child mortality rates (0-4 years) has widened since the Closing the Gap strategy was announced in 2008 with 82% of child deaths occurring in the first year of life and almost 50% from perinatal conditions. The largest cause of perinatal death is preterm birth yet preterm birth rates have not changed since national targets were set in 2008. Preterm birth is associated with life-long co-morbidities (i.e. obesity, diabetes, respiratory illness and reduced cognitive development); and impacts on many other determinants of health (educational achievement; employment opportunities). Research shows, however, that preterm births can be reduced through early and regular engagement of parents with high quality and culturally safe maternity care. Progress in these areas has been slow with incremental and short-term health gains.

This presentation will describe the partnership between two Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and a tertiary maternity service established a ‘Birthing on Country’ service for urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. In just 4 years (2014-17), the redesigned services have led to profound reduction in Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander preterm birth babies compared to women who receive standard care. This presentation will discuss the key mechanisms that led to an increase in term births.

Biography: Dr Yvette Roe is a Njikena Jawuru woman from the West Kimberley region, WA. Yvette has more than 20 years’ experience working in the Aboriginal health sector. In 2015, Yvette was awarded her PhD, University of South Australia. As an early career Aboriginal scholar, Dr Roe’s research focuses on designing and evaluating innovative models of care that support social and clinical complexity, patient and community engagement, health and wellness equity and data sovereignty. Dr Roe is a Senior Research Fellow at Mater Research, Midwifery Research Unit, South Brisbane.