The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, marked annually on 09 August, provides us with an invaluable opportunity to shine a light on communities of people that have been left behind.
At an estimated 476 million, Indigenous Peoples constitute over 6 per cent of the world’s population. The Asia-Pacific Region has the highest proportion (70.5%) of the world’s indigenous peoples.
Indigenous Peoples often face significant health inequities, with limited access to healthcare services, higher rates of morbidity and mortality, and disproportionate burden of diseases. Their life expectancy is estimated to be up to 20 years lower, and they are more likely to experience disability and reduced quality of life and ultimately die younger than their non-indigenous counterparts.
Indigenous mothers and children experience higher rates of mortality and morbidity than non-indigenous populations. In some countries indigenous women are up to six times more likely to die in childbirth than non-indigenous women.
The World Health Assembly adopted Resolution 76.16 on the Health of Indigenous Peoples. It highlights the need for a Global Plan of Action on indigenous health, in consultation with Member States, Indigenous Peoples and other stakeholders, taking a life-course approach, with particular emphasis on reproductive, maternal and adolescent health. It emphasises specific focus on those in vulnerable situations, bearing in mind local context. The plan will be up for consideration at the 79th World Health Assembly in 2026.
Aligning with this, our WHO South-East Asia Regional office is conducting a situation analysis of indigenous peoples’ health, which will serve as a background document for a regional consultation planned in 2025.
While estimates vary, the WHO South-East Asia Region is home to over 216 million Indigenous People, accounting for approximately 45% of the global indigenous population. Notably, Indigenous Peoples in the region are highly heterogeneous, comprising more than 3000 distinct groups. However, the classification of indigenous groups can be contentious, with some communities self-identifying as Indigenous Peoples but lacking official recognition.
Several studies and reports highlight that Indigenous communities experience significant disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and services. This poses substantial challenges to their overall well-being and development and have a higher incidence of poverty compared to the non-Indigenous population.
They are often excluded from the policy-making process, limiting the ability of public health policies to be culturally appropriate and responsive to their needs. Furthermore, Indigenous populations dependent on natural resources are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts like declining water resources, forest degradation, and extreme weather events, leading to adverse health consequences.
Addressing health inequities among Indigenous Peoples in our Region requires a comprehensive, rights-based, intersectoral, and participatory approach that acknowledges the social determinants of health. Following actions can go a long way in transforming the lives of Indigenous Peoples:
- Strengthen Knowledge Generation on Indigenous Health
- Ensure indigenous participation and empowerment
- Develop tailored prevention and management strategies to address disease burden, malnutrition, and maternal and child health
- Increase access to quality and culturally appropriate healthcare
- Recognize indigenous knowledge and practices
On International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2024, let us all commit to supporting and advocating for the rights and sovereignty of Indigenous communities, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in all spheres of life.