The health of Australian children and young adults: recent statistics

The lack of reliable national statistics to monitor the health of Australian children and youths is well recognised (Commonwealth Department of Human Services and Health 1995). There is a clear need to develop this information through a nationally integrated and coordinated approach. The best way to achieve this would be to scope the fields of child and youth health information, identify data gaps and deficiencies, and catalogue the data requirements and needs. The framework within which this should occur, accompanied by a national child and youth health information development plan, also needs to be clearly defined. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare is undertaking an analysis of the health of Australian children and youths and a review of available information in this area. Here we present early work on this project, providing a general picture of the health of Australian children and youths based on mortality, morbidity, reported health status and disability statistics. Some information on the health of indigenous children and young people is also included.