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This program involves the development and implementation of a comprehensive Indigenous child health growth assessment and action initiative, piloted in North Queensland in 2004.
GAA is based on the Northern Territory growth and assessment and action project, and arose due to the increasing rates of childhood overweight and obesity and the continuing occurrence of under nutrition in Queensland. The Queensland program demonstrates that early identification of poor growth or 'failure to thrive' allows for early and appropriate interventions. The GAA programs also provide feedback on growth assessment to parents, caregivers, communities and health policy-makers.
The Growth Assessment and Action Guidelines aim to:
Manuals, training materials and systems have been developed to support the Growth Assessment and Action in Early Childhood Program for Indigenous children. This program uses systematic methods to assess child growth and respond to growth problems by involving families, communities and service providers. The Queensland program includes 'Growing Strong: Feeding You and Your Baby', a project that aims to enhance the nutritional status of mothers and the growth of children.