A Maori health strategy and action plan, released yesterday, aims to improve Maori health by looking at all parts of their lives.
"He Korowai Oranga: Maori Health Strategy" sets out the direction for Maori health development for the next five to 10 years, and "Whakatataka: Maori Health Action Plan 2002-2005" outlines
how the strategy will be implemented.
Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia said the three key themes in the strategy were Maori aspirations for control over their lives; building on gains already made in Maori health; and reducing health inequalities between Maori and non-Maori.
Those themes would be implemented by developing: Whanau (family), hapu (subtribe), iwi (tribe) and other Maori communities. nte Maori participation in the health and disability sector. Health and disability services which crossed sectors.
"If Maori are to have healthier lives and fulfil their potential, then all the factors that affect health need to be addressed," Mrs Turia said.
"We can do this by providing integrated health and social services, with multidisciplinary teams assisting individuals and their whanau to make their choices."
Health Minister Annette King said some steps in the documents were included in Ministry of Health work programmes and district health board plans.
"But many more health and disability goals need to be achieved so whanau can fully participate in society," she said.
"District health boards, the Ministry of Health and other providers will be expected to prioritise Maori health within their funding allocations."
The ministry would work with central agencies and district health boards to set national funding targets for Maori health and to monitor what was actually allocated.
Funding would come from the $3 billion three-year health package announced this year.
- NZPA
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