Tue Sep 17 07:02:56 UTC 2024: ## Pasifika Children Disproportionately Affected by Preventable Illnesses in New Zealand: Urgent Action Needed
**Wellington, New Zealand** – A new study has revealed alarming health disparities among children in Aotearoa, with Pasifika children being hospitalized with acute rheumatic fever at a rate 115 times higher than their European counterparts. The study, published in the fourth State of Child Health Report, highlights the disproportionate impact of preventable illnesses on Pasifika, Māori, and children from low socio-economic backgrounds.
The report, developed in collaboration with the NZ Child and Youth Epidemiology Service at the University of Otago, paints a grim picture of children facing health challenges such as respiratory conditions, rheumatic fever and heart disease, skin infections, dental disease, and mental health problems.
Cure Kids, a leading children’s health charity, is calling for urgent national action to address these inequities. Frances Soutter, head of Cure Kids, emphasized the need for equitable access to healthcare, housing, and nutrition to reverse the trend. “Too many of our children are experiencing preventable illnesses, with the burden falling disproportionately on Māori, Pasifika, and those living in areas of high deprivation,” said Soutter. “By targeting these risk factors, we can generate long-term benefits for New Zealand’s population.”
Dr Anneka Anderson, from the University of Auckland, stressed the urgency of addressing poverty and poor living conditions, stating that a one-size-fits-all approach to health would only worsen the situation. “We have different services to try and level up the playing field, and taking that away always leads to a disaster,” she said.
Dr Anderson pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a clear example of how tailored health responses are crucial. “As soon as the control and resources were handed back to Māori providers – to provide a ‘for Māori, by Māori’ service – we saw the vaccine uptake increase,” she explained.
Dr Anderson called for a rights-based approach to healthcare, arguing that New Zealand, a resource-rich country, should not be seeing high rates of preventable illnesses like rheumatic heart disease.
The government has faced criticism for its recent decision to dismantle the Māori Health Authority, Te Aka Whai Ora, which was established to address health inequities. Māori health leaders are concerned that this move will further exacerbate disparities.
The debate surrounding healthcare access and equity in New Zealand continues, with experts urging the government to take concrete action to ensure all children have equal opportunities to live healthy lives.
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