December 21, 2023
$50m to boost Māori immunisation rates
Health Minister Shane Reti has announced a two-year, $50 million package to help Māori health providers lift immunisation rates.
Launching the programme in Porirua today, Dr Reti said $30 million will go to Whānau Ora providers to work with those most at risk – Māori and non-Māori pēpi, hāpu māma, and kaumātua.
An additional $10 million will go to North Island partners and $10 million to South Island partners to help them better reach out into their communities.
He said immunisation rates put tamariki at particular risk of life threatening illness.
When there are outbreaks of serious disease like whooping cough or measles, which happens usually every three to four years, it’s high-needs communities and pēpi Māori who are often more adversely affected.