British Columbia's provincial health officer says while some progress has been made in improving the health of aboriginal people in the province, a lot more work needs to be done.

Dr. Perry Kendall makes the remark in a new report on native health, updating a 2001 report on the same issue.

The report analyzed 64 indicators, from the health of pregnant women, infants and children to diseases and injuries, and compares the health outcomes with other British Columbians.

It found improvements in overall death rates, including those from motor vehicle accidents, accidental poisoning and drug and alcohol-related deaths.

But aboriginal people still have higher rates of chronic disease, such as HIV-AIDS, and hospitalization rates for problems related to substance abuse.

Kendall's report calls for more health services for the native community, expanded economic development, education and job opportunities for aboriginals and improved housing.