Prioritising First Nations Kidney Warriors and their families’ lived experiences, strengths and priorities is essential to addressing gaps in and decolonising healthcare. This is exactly what AKction is aiming to achieve.
Kidney disease is one of chronic diseases that affects First Nations peoples at far higher rates and at younger ages than for non-First nations Australians. First Nations voices have historically gone unheard in the quest to close this gap.
We’re collaborating to bring together First Nations community members, health professionals and researchers to co-create positive change and deliver culturally safer and responsive clinical care experiences and outcomes.
The AKction key principles and goals are within the acronym:
Aboriginal: Aboriginal leadership, ownership and governance over all AKction activities ensures Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities are in the driver’s seat. The extensive lived experience across the AKction team of Kidney Warriors who are also NHMRC and MRFF Chief investigators is well supported by project staff. This self-determination is AKction’s super-power.
Kidney Care: The impact of kidney disease and ongoing treatment for kidney failure is immense. For Aboriginal people, Kidney care is more than just treating biological illness – it involves the whole person, their family and community.
Together: This word defines AKction which brings together Kidney Warriors, community members, Aboriginal health practitioners and staff, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, researchers, students, professional organisations and health services to advance a common goal in a unique relational approach. This is absolutely essential to making progress together.
Improving Outcomes: The pendulum must swing towards practical equity in health, wellbeing and thriving rather than just surviving. The AKction movement is motivated by what is happening every day for Kidney Warriors, family and community members – improving outcomes is our core business.
Now: The time for AKction is now, and it is ongoing. The AKction project was integrally involved in the inaugural First Nations kidney care guidelines and national taskforce for improving kidney transplant access.
With many national and local activities and initiatives fluctuating due to shifting political and funding agendas, AKction has become an integral space where the voices and priorities of Kidney Warriors continue to be central, heard and responded to.
By centring Indigenous leadership and knowledges, AKction continues to decolonise research, education and practice.
