A mother’s emotional plea for her child to survive another day is putting a spotlight on the harsh reality of asthma in Aotearoa.
The powerful story details the constant fear faced by one whānau, as a child lives with severe, life-threatening asthma. Each morning begins with the same quiet hope – “please don’t die today” – a stark reminder of how serious the condition can be.
Advocates say the story reflects a much bigger issue, with New Zealand continuing to record some of the highest asthma rates in the developed world. Māori and Pasifika communities are hit hardest, facing higher hospitalisation rates and greater risk of complications.
Health experts point to ongoing inequities, including poor housing conditions, barriers to primary care, and inconsistent access to medication, as key drivers behind the disparity.
There are growing calls for urgent action – from improving housing quality to ensuring whānau have access to preventative care and asthma management plans.
For families like this one, asthma is not just a condition to manage – it’s a daily fight for survival.
For Radio Waatea, the message is clear: behind the statistics are real lives, real whānau, and an urgent need to close the gap in respiratory health outcomes.
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