8581 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health

8581 (2024). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Associate Minister of Health: What progress, if any, has been made in the last quarter (September – December 2023) has been made toward actioning ‘Anti-stigma and discrimination initiatives for the health sector and wider workplaces’ under ‘Focus area 4: Support for people living with HIV, including stigma and discrimination actions’ as recommended in the National HIV Action Plan?

Hon Matt Doocey: I am advised that between September and December 2023, Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora agreed to progress a social marketing campaign to address stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with HIV. A working group, which includes people living with HIV, was established to inform this work. I am further advised that Health NZ and Te Aka Whai Ora supported the Hauora Māori HIV Partner Toitū Te Ao to create a culturally diverse working group; to further develop and establish their organisation, and to include them in discussions of how to address stigma and discrimination against Māori living with HIV.