Islander health scrutiny

The Government has announced an action plan to improve the health of Pacific Islanders in New Zealand.

Health Minister Annette King said it set out what path district health boards and the ministry would have to take to reduce inequalities between Pacific and non-Pacific people.

"The health of Pacific people in New Zealand is poorer than that of non-Pacific people. They have a higher death rate and lower life expectancy than other ethnic groups, excluding Maori," Mrs King said.

"Socio-economic factors such as lower incomes, poorer housing and lower education achievements also contribute to relatively poor Pacific health."

The plan priority areas are:

* Child and youth health.

* Promoting healthy lifestyles and well-being.

* Primary health care and preventive services, provider and workforce development.

* Promoting participation of disabled people.

* Health and disability information and research.

The minister said that for each priority area, actions had been identified. She gave as an example a proposal for the establishment of Pacific Primary Health Organisations.

Money will come from the Pacific Provider Development Fund, which was introduced last November with $15 million for development over the next three years.

- NZPA

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