Throughout the year, it is important to stay abreast of the health challenges that face our communities, especially against seasonal changes. The concerns include the flu and common season, outbreaks of measles, and RSV for tamariki. Keeping up to date on public health warnings and participating in preventive health campaigns can minimize risk and advance in good health. So here is an update regarding important health issues for the Māori community.
Seasonal Health Advice
With the changing seasons, it is essential to consider health risks associated with it pertaining to the flu, measles outbreaks, and RSV, all having an impact on tamariki and other at-risk groups. A brief review of each concern follows, along with methods to protect oneself.
Flu Season
Flu season usually stretches from winter into early spring, bringing serious challenges, particularly for vulnerable groups such as kaumātua, those with tamariki, and those who already have other comorbid conditions. The flu can be a serious illness and can sometimes prove life-threatening. The best way to avoid catching the flu is to be vaccinated. Vaccination for flu is ideally for everybody and of even higher importance for Māori population where complications from influenza can be much worse because of the increased rate of chronic conditions.
Measles Outbreaks
Apart from the flu, regions are also having new concerns, the outbreaks of measles. Measles is extremely contagious and causes severe complications, especially in the unvaccinated. Inhibiting the spread of measles thus requires that tamariki and rangatahi (young people) be educated on the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations. Should the vaccination for MMR ever be delayed or missed, an immediate catch-up is extremely significant. Public health awareness is being raised on the significance of the MMR vaccine, mainly among Māori.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Tamariki
Another disease to keep in mind is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), usually afflicting children below two years. It is very contagious and can cause serious respiratory problems, even resulting in hospital admissions in severe cases. Practicing good hygiene for the prevention of RSV includes keeping hands washed often, staying away from those who are sick, and ensuring vaccinations are up to date.
Public Health Alerts
Being alerted to public health notifications helps one to nip health risks in the bud. Public health agencies and Māori health providers ensure the community is kept aware ahead of any emerging health issue.
The Role of Māori Health Providers
Public health authorities continue to monitor and provide warnings regarding contagious diseases and health hazards affecting Māori communities. Māori health providers, together with iwi and hapū support systems, play a key role in disseminating the alerts. These localised updates ensure that any information disseminated in this way is culturally relevant and accessible, thus enabling Māori whānau to coordinate timely action when necessary.
Community Outreach and Mobile Services
As an example, during the flu season, Māori health providers often collaborate with marae clinics to give flu vaccinations and carry out health check-ups across communities. Mobile outreach programmes help reach those who might otherwise keep their distance from the health system for sake of their fitness, refusal to use the transport, as well as cultural and social barriers. In an outbreak situation, such as in measles or RSV, iwi mobilise their resources to act fast by offering one or more of mobile vaccination units or dissemination of health information at local community events or gatherings.
Preventive Health Campaigns
Preventive health interventions reduce health hazards in the long run for the marginalized communities. The health campaigns include vaccination, screening, health checks, and early intervention for a better future. All these are vital for the Māori communities, wherein these can bring about prevention, detection, and vaccination for better health and reduction of preventable disease.
Regular screening for cervical and breast cancer and heart disease is very important, in early detection when the treatment is still possible. Vaccination campaigns protect Pasifika and Māori populations of infectious diseases from vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccination campaigns at marae or Māori health providers ease access for whānau to immunisation, flu shots, HPV vaccines, and COVID-19 boosters to name a few.
Going for screening of high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer is important because early diagnosis gives people better treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Keep Whānau Safe This Flu Season
Being informed about seasonal risks and taking preventive action keeps a community healthy. By observing measures in the health advisories issued throughout the year, reacting to alerts from the public health agencies, and promoting prevention programs, we can lessen the chances of contracting influenza, measles, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). For preventive purposes, vaccinations, and screenings make sure that whānau stay away from the potential risk of diseases.
Sustaining close linkages with the community and accessing services of the Māori health providers is of great importance. In unison, we intend to create a healthy future where preventive care guarantees the strength and well-being of Māori communities for days to come.
