The Kahu Taurima maternity and early years policy will get a boost with new paediatric equipment for hospitals and support for community-based Māori and Pacific providers.
Associate Health Minister Willow-Jean Prime says the joint Te Aka Whai Ora and Te Whatu Ora approach acknowledges the importance of a child’s first 2,000 days as the foundation for their future.
Kahu Taurima is allocating an initial $7 million for the purchase of 20 new paediatric retinal cameras, which will improve access to neonatal retinal screening for premature babies and protect young eyes.
Another $74 million will be invested over the next two years into 40 hauora Māori partners and five Pacific partners for wrap-around support for whānau during antenatal, birthing, postnatal and child development care.
There will also be funded initiatives to improve access to maternal mental health and wellbeing care, including those who experience bereavement, through the development of solutions informed by whānau voice.
