December 05, 2019
Maori input vital for cancer agency
A spokesperson for the Smear Your Mea campaign is optimistic the new Cancer Control Agency can drive the transformational change needed to address inequities for Māori in cancer care.
Eruera Keepa says the cervical screening campaign started by his sister, the late Talei Morrison, has been successful because of the way it resonated with Māori people.
He says it's positive three of the eight members of the agency's advisory council are Māori, including doctors David Tipene and Nina Scott.
"We've seen strategies roll out, come and go, not necessarily addressing those inequities in some of our cancer and health issues and so I encourage a transformational shift in leadership and in policy and practice if we are really serious about addressing these cancer inequities," Mr Keepa says.
He says the new agency needs to empower and resource Māori initiative groups and health providers to support prevention and early detection of cancer.
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