Cardiovascular Health Equity: Indigenous Leadership in Heart Health

2025

Authors

Rolleston, A., Brown, A.

Abstract

The 4th Indigenous Cardiovascular Health Conference of the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ) will take place in Gadigal, Sydney, Australia, from 17–19 June 2025. This gathering marks a critical moment in the ongoing pursuit of cardiovascular health equity for Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori, and Pacific peoples. CSANZ has intensified its focus on addressing the persistent burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Indigenous communities, acknowledging that while the inequities are well-documented, the imperative now is to accelerate action and drive meaningful change.

Previous Indigenous cardiovascular health meetings in 2009, 2011, and 2019 have laid the groundwork for reform, producing key recommendations that, when implemented, have had the potential to transform health outcomes [1–7]. In Australia, outcomes from these meetings have informed national programs and policy efforts to reduce CVD disparities. However, achieving true health equity demands more than policy shifts, it requires a commitment by the health system to Indigenous leadership, self-determination, and community-driven solutions.

This forthcoming conference will move beyond reiterating the well-established gaps in Indigenous cardiovascular health outcomes. Instead, it will focus on solutions, innovation, and the power of Indigenous-led models of care. By prioritising Indigenous knowledge systems, strengthening workforce development, and advancing health system reforms, this conference aims to empower Indigenous communities with the tools, strategies, and partnerships needed to drive cardiovascular health equity forward. In this special supplement issue of Heart, Lung and Circulation we include more than 70 abstracts that cover many of these important issues and new insights that will be presented at this conference.

CVD remains one of the most pressing health challenges for Indigenous peoples across Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the Pacific [3,8,9]. Despite decades of research and intervention, stark inequities persist, disproportionately impacting Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori, and Pacific communities [10,11]. While we acknowledge that the health system will always require access to data that evidences the need, our focus is on action, pushing forward with real solutions for real people. Some of the questions we are keen to hear the answers to are:

• What are the most promising innovations in Indigenous cardiovascular health?

• How can we shift the conversation from disparity-focused research to action-oriented change?

• What mechanisms ensure data remains accessible without impeding solution-focused progress?

A key focal point of the conference is to articulate the steps required to achieve cardiovascular health equity. We are interested in knowing the essential steps to embedding Indigenous knowledge into health care systems. Highlighting community-led initiatives and how they contribute to improved cardiovascular outcomes. The policy or funding mechanisms that can support Indigenous-driven solutions is an important discussion point for both Australia and Aotearoa.

There is emphasis in the programme of a life-course approach to cardiovascular health, recognising the developmental origins of disease and extending through to elder care. Indigenous communities have long championed holistic, intergenerational perspectives on health, and this conference will provide a platform to share and strengthen those insights within clinical and public health frameworks. In particular how does a life-course approach differ from traditional models of cardiovascular care?

The role of Indigenous narratives in shaping policy, practice, and research is currently poorly recognised, let alone implemented. When Indigenous voices lead the discourse, policy frameworks become more attuned to the realities faced by communities and are more likely to result in meaningful change [12,13]. Successful Indigenous-led policy in CVD prevention and treatment, innovative models of acute and long-term care, and strategies for workforce development to empower the next generation of Indigenous health professionals are needed.

Addressing the challenges and opportunities in Indigenous and rural and remote health service delivery is not a new cause. Access to high-quality cardiovascular care remains a significant barrier in many Indigenous communities [14], requiring a systems-level response that prioritises equity, culturally competent care, and structural reform. This conference will highlight practical solutions and innovative models that are already making a difference, with the aim of scaling and embedding these approaches within the broader health system.

This conference seeks to drive forward an actionable agenda for health system transformation. The outcomes can shape a roadmap for cardiovascular health equity for the next five years and beyond. By cementing the progress made and envisioning the future, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to ensure that all Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori, and Pacific peoples receive the heart health care they deserve. Only through sustained commitment, Indigenous leadership, and cross-sector collaboration can we achieve the goal of equity in cardiovascular health for all Australians and New Zealanders.

Publication Link

https://www.heartlungcirc.org/article/S1443-9506(25)00413-5/fulltext