National Close the Gap Day 2023: Date, History, Importance

Close the Gap Day was introduced in 2007 as a collaboration between Australia's leading public health organizations and agencies, with Olympians Cathy Freeman and Ian Thorpe headlining the event.

National Close the Gap Day is observed on the third Thursday of March, which falls on the 16th this year. This day promotes health equity for Australia’s indigenous people and educates the public about the health issues and barriers to well-being they confront. Since 2007, National Close the Gap Day has brought together Australians from across the nation to advocate for health equity and take action to create better and more equitable conditions for the indigenous population. The campaign encourages individuals and organizations to organize events that bring attention to the health issues of Australia’s indigenous population and to support legislation and programs that aim to improve their conditions.

The background of National Close the Gap Day

Close the Gap Day was introduced in 2007 as a collaboration between Australia’s leading public health organizations and agencies, with Olympians Cathy Freeman and Ian Thorpe headlining the event. The campaign raises awareness about the poor health of many indigenous Australian groups and the absence of resources available to them. The objective of the Close the Gap campaign is to improve the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, whose life expectancy is 10–17 years lower than that of non-indigenous Australians. In addition to access to healthcare, factors such as poverty, education, and employment impact the wellbeing of indigenous groups. All of these areas must be addressed in order to raise the living standard of indigenous people and close the disparity in healthcare and access to health resources.

Although the life expectancy and quality of life of most Australians are among the highest in the world, this is not the case for all ethnic and cultural groups. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people face obstacles in gaining access to quality healthcare and resources that will help them maintain and improve their health. The infant mortality rate among indigenous mothers is double that of other Australians. This campaign aims to reduce this disparity and improve health outcomes for all Australians.

Close the Gap advocates for health care choice and access, a culturally and linguistically sensitive healthcare system, and secure housing that promotes good health.

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