The Northland DHB is increasing Covid-19 testing across the region, in partnership with nine Māori health providers who currently deliver mobile services in smaller communities.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Catherine Jackson said the providers had well established relationships with their communities and whānau, experienced staff and established mobile health services. The initial plan was a mobile clinic to go to the smaller communities they currently visit to ensure that whānau Māori had strengthened access to Covid-19 testing and influenza vaccinations.
Whānau Māori were a priority in the DHB's pandemic response.
"Although testing rates for Māori are higher than for non-Māori across all parts of Te Tai Tokerau, there are still some areas where access is harder due to the remote location," Dr Jackson said.
"Additional concerns have been raised by Māori providers, particularly for kaumātua and kuia who are reluctant to come out of their bubbles and communities because they are worried about putting themselves at risk."