OPINION: Health reforms 'an opportunity to improve Pacific health outcomes'

By ​Faumuina Professor Fa'afetai Sopoaga, Director for the Centre of Pacific Health at Otago University.

The announcement of the new health reforms provides opportunities to improve significantly the health outcomes for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, through a strong focus on equity.

I am delighted with the establishment of the Maori Health Authority, as this will ensure a strong focus on health outcomes and care for Maori communities.

Maori and Pacific peoples have been disproportionately represented in poor health outcomes for many years.

In the Pacific space – the clear signalling by Health Minister Andrew Little of the importance of addressing Pacific peoples’ health, the need to address inequalities and for responsiveness to Pacific across all areas of the system is helpful.

The endorsement of a national Pacific Health Strategy will enable a coordinated encompassing approach. I acknowledge the hard work done over the years by the 20 District Health Boards and 30 Primary Health Organisations.

However, we can and need to do better for our Pacific communities, for all New Zealanders.

In fact, we can lead the world as shown by our outstanding Covid response.

There is a Samoan saying “E fofo e le alamea, le alamea” translated, “the solutions to improving our health, needs to come from within”. Pacific people are keen, able and can lead the way, if given the opportunity to drive solutions for the health of our communities.

We do need however to be represented in key areas, decision-making table so our voice is heard, and together with all health sector leaders stand against institutional racism that exist in our health system.

We are all in this together New Zealand. We are all in this together.