NZMA calls for action on child poverty

[Please note: embargoed until 5am 24 November 2017]

The New Zealand Medical Association (NZMA) joins today’s calls by the children’s advocacy community for an evidence-based plan to reduce child poverty in New Zealand.

“Reducing child poverty was a key election issue for many,” says NZMA Chair Dr Kate Baddock. “And it’s been a concern for the NZMA for a long time.

“In the past few years, we have seen a valuable report on Solutions to Child Poverty in New Zealand from the Children’s Commissioner’s Expert Advisory Group, and a landmark report from the Parliamentary Health Select Committee on improving child health outcomes. Each of these reports has made a long list of evidence-based recommendations, including the need to measure, set targets and report on progress.”

The Select Committee’s report in 2013 recommended:

• establishing an overall action plan for reducing child poverty

• constructing policy objectives to give every child the best possible start in life

• establishing an integrated approach to service delivery to children

• progressing policies to address disadvantage for all children, covering poverty, discrimination, healthy housing, optimal nutrition, access to health and education services, and safe home environments.
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“There is no need to start from scratch. Building on the foundations provided by this report and its predecessor means action can—and must—be taken; sooner rather than later,” says Dr Baddock.

/ends

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