15 Jul 2019

New health initiative for New Zealand's Pacific people

12:32 pm on 15 July 2019

The New Zealand government is putting a renewed focus on the health and well-being of the country's Pacific people through a targeted programme announced on Saturday.

Jenny Salesa

Jenny Salesa Photo: RNZ Pacific: Sela Jane Hopgood

The Associate Health Minister, Jenny Salesa, said the Pacific Health Action Plan is being implemented to address key areas that affect Pacific people's health.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Health, the plan will be developed across the health sector and with other government agencies.

Ms Salesa said this could mean looking at factors outside of the health system, such as housing or education.

The ministry will hold a series of fono on the plan.

According to the ministry, Pacific people experience poorer health outcomes than other New Zealanders across a number of health and disability indicators.