New study aims to reach out to Maori and Pasifika

New study aims to reach out to Maori and Pasifika people affected by HIV and AIDS

Public Health Association media release, 7 September 2015

Despite unprecedented progress in the global HIV and AIDS response, social marginalisation, economic inequality and other structural factors continue to fuel the HIV & AIDS epidemic for Maori and Pasifika peoples, the Public Health Association Conference heard in Otepoti/Dunedin today.

“Maori, as the indigenous population, have social health determinants that place us in a particularly vulnerable position, including our key affected people such as Takataapui (gay Maori), whakawahine (transgender), drug users, sex workers, women and children,” said Marama Pala, Executive Director, INA (Maori, Indigenous and South Pacific), HIV/AIDS Foundation

“Maori have the highest burden of children living with HIV in Aotearoa. Poverty, mental health and drug addictions, sexual and physical abuse, low education outcomes – and poor literacy place us in a significantly vulnerable position compared to the non-indigenous groups.”

She said colonisation, gender and age inequality, discrimination, institutionalised racism, and incarceration are other factors that continue to place Maori and Pasifika peoples at significantly higher risk of infection and with limited access to culturally appropriate treatment, care, and support services.

Her message is that specific forms of education are needed to alleviate the impact of HIV in these groups.

“Utilising public speakers trained in telling their stories on how they were infected has been proven many times over to be most effective in prevention messaging. Most start their korero with, ‘I never thought this would happen to me...’. Positive prevention is when peer education is taken to the next level. An inclusive inter-sectoral approach is also needed in order to maximise HIV and AIDS biomedical interventions and other developmental goals, strategies and synergies.”

Marama presented key findings from a two year study of Maori and Pasifika living with HIV and AIDS. The study identifies models of whanau ora, self-care plans, goals and aspirations that have been implemented with whanau living with HIV.

“Today, the impact isn’t so much HIV, as it is now a manageable chronic illness. It’s managing the stigma and discrimination associated with living with HIV, and this needs specific key approaches. For Maori and Pasifika what was highlighted in our mahi is that stigma and discrimination creates secrets, loneliness, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, alcohol and drug abuse, suicide, with many opting not to take medication because of fear of whanau knowing their status, self-stigma, and denial,” she said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media