Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nutrition and health.

The author discusses the issue of nutrition and health among aboriginals and the people of Torres Strait in Australia. Poor nutrition is said to be a determinant of excess morbidity and mortality among these people, which contributes to over 16% of the burden of the disease. Community retail stores is said to be a major barrier due to the fact that they operate as small businesses rather than as essential services. A framework for nutrition interventions is provided by the National Aboriginal and Torres Islander Nutrition Strategy and Action Plan.