59990 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health

59990 (2024). Debbie Ngarewa-Packer to the Minister of Health: Does the Minister agree with Tamara Karu “Transformative Tiriti honouring actions that give practical effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi are crucial in improving sexual health outcomes for Māori and Pasifika communities”, if so, how will the Minister embed Te Tiriti actions into improving sexual health outcomes for Māori and Pasifika, if at all?

Hon Dr Shane Reti: I am advised Health New Zealand is currently implementing a Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections (STBBI) Strategy, which provides a framework to meet elimination and prevention goals for a range of infections. The strategy prioritises a range of population groups disproportionately affected, and most at risk of, acquiring STBBI. I am further advised that Hauora Māori Partners and Pacific providers are focused on improving sexual health outcomes for Māori and Pacific communities. This includes providing sexual health education to young people in school and youth settings in rural and low decile communities; providing some sexual health and reproductive health services and training, and a Rangatahi sexual health drop-in clinic. I am further advised the National Syphilis Action Plan is being implemented to reduce the increase in syphilis cases and specifically address the risk of syphilis in Māori and Pacific communities.