Australian and New Zealand journal of public health
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Aust N Z J Public Health · Feb 2004
Comparative StudyEvaluation of immunisation coverage for aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children using the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register.
To estimate immunisation coverage for routinely administered vaccines among children using receipt of a particular Hib vaccine (PRP-OMP) as a proxy for Indigenous status. ⋯ These data provide the first national measure of immunisation status and are likely to be a valid measure among those identified. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander immunisation coverage is 17% lower with the biggest gaps in urban areas, indicating the need for better quality data informing appropriate interventions.
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Aust N Z J Public Health · Feb 2004
Comparative StudyTo what extent is health and medical research funding associated with the burden of disease in Australia?
This study aimed to analyse the association of the National Health and Medical Research Council fund allocations and several measures of burden of disease in Australia, and compare it to similar studies in the United States and Canada. ⋯ This study revealed a significant relation between NHMRC research funding and burden of disease measures and highlighted that comparison of actual and predicted funding based on different measures of disease can alter conclusions as to whether a disease is over- or under-funded.
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To now, New Zealand has been spared arboviral diseases, except for the odd imported infection. However, two exotic vector mosquitoes (Ochlerotatus camptorhynchus and Ochlerotatus notoscriptus) have become established in New Zealand and the routine arrival of infected people from overseas may soon lead to local arboviral transmission. ⋯ It is clear that increased border surveillance is necessary if we are to interdict the establishment of such species. We recommend several measures that should be adopted, including increased training and awareness of public health officials, clinicians and the general public, and taking appropriate steps to make New Zealand self-sustainable in terms of arboviral surveillance, diagnosis, and prevention.