Physicians want better health outcomes for Māori children

Physicians call for better health outcomes for Māori children

25 July, 2012

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) was among other health and childcare experts who, earlier today presented oral submissions to the Māori Affairs Select Committee (MASC) on the Inquiry into the determinants of wellbeing for Māori children.

The Chair of the RACP Māori Health Committee, Dr Leo Buchanan, a Wellington-based paediatrician and RACP Māori Health Committee member Raeleen de Joux, Māori advisor to the Breastfeeding Authority, presented the submission which focused on several components of what the RACP Māori Health Committee sees as key to reducing the levels of child abuse and neglect within New Zealand.

Dr Buchanan and Mrs de Joux’s appearance at the MASC follows a written submission made by the RACP in March 2012 that made a number of recommendations for improved health outcomes for Māori children, including initiatives to support breastfeeding and education programs to reduce to smoking and alcohol consumption.

At the MASC hearing, Dr Buchanan spoke on the importance of breastfeeding being not only about nutrition, but as a language of aroha between a mother and her child. Given the high rates of abuse in children under the age of one, the breastfeeding relationship between mother and child can serve as a protective presence in homes where violence is present.

“Given the evidence, supporting the mother and infant breastfeeding relationship, during the first year by way of fully-funded maternal and child healthcare, could increase the stubbornly low breastfeeding statistics amongst Māori, and help to overcome other barriers faced by Māori trying to do the best for their children,” Dr Buchanan said.

Mrs de Joux reinforced the need to promote breastfeeding to Māori as a tikanga (right cultural practice) rather than a lifestyle choice.

“Every mother has dreams and aspirations for her baby, and supporting mother and child especially in the early months can help mother and whānau to achieve these dreams,” Mrs de Joux said.

The submission also discussed Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) in which drinking during pregnancy can change a baby’s brain formation, leading to behavioural challenges in their early years and putting them at increased risk of abuse and neglect by their caregivers.

“While the Government cannot change attitudes and commitment to children, they can encourage and reward desirable practices,” Dr Buchanan said.

The College commends all fellow contributors to the inquiry, including the medical practitioners, childcare experts, community and family/whānau groups who have valuable pieces to the complex puzzle that comprises the key determinants of wellbeing for Māori children.

For a copy of the submission, please go to the RACP website.

About The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)

The RACP trains, educates and advocates on behalf of more than 13,500 physicians – often referred to as medical specialists – and 5,000 trainees, across Australia and New Zealand. The College represents more than 32 medical specialties including paediatrics & child health, cardiology, respiratory medicine, neurology, oncology and public health medicine, occupational & environmental medicine, palliative medicine, sexual health medicine, rehabilitation medicine and addiction medicine. Beyond the drive for medical excellence, the RACP is committed to developing health and social policies which bring vital improvements to the wellbeing of patients. www.racp.edu.au

ENDS

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