Health NZ enlists church leaders to improve Pasifika health

At a recent gathering in Māngere, some 90 Samoan ministers and community leaders met with Health New Zealand’s Pacific Public Health team at the Faith Project – Na Sala Vou Priorities Event. The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration between health officials and church leaders on health promotion and prevention.

Presentations covered immunisation, cancer screening, smoking and vaping prevention, food environments and mental health. Samoan-language measles resources were also shared to support communication within congregations.

Api Poutasi, Health New Zealand Pacific Public Health director, said partnering with trusted community networks is central to improving health outcomes.

“Health NZ partners with trusted community groups, including Samoan churches, to support better health outcomes for Pacific communities,” Mr Poutasi said.

“Church leaders play an important role in sharing information and supporting wellbeing, making them valuable partners in public health engagement.”

Mr Poutasi said working with churches helps ensure health messages are delivered in ways that are familiar, respectful and relevant to Pacific communities.

Dr Viliami Puloka, a Tongan public health physician, said engaging through church leadership reflects the central role churches hold in Pacific communities.

Health NZ said it will measure the success of its partnerships with churches by tracking community engagement and monitoring changes in immunisation and screening participation.

FULL STORY

Church networks mobilised to lift Pacific health outcomes (By Taelegalolo’u Mary Afemata/ Te Ao Māori News)