On a population basis, Pacific communities experience poor health outcomes in New Zealand. For example, Pacific male life expectancy is 6.7 years less than the total male population and Pacific female life expectancy is 6.1 years less than the total female population in New Zealand. Pacific health status remains unequal with non-Pacific across almost all chronic and infectious diseases.
To facilitate the delivery of high-quality health services that meet the needs of Pacific peoples, 'Ala Mo'ui has been developed. This edition, 'Ala Mo'ui: Pathways to Pacific Health and Wellbeing 2014–2018, builds on the successes of the former plan, 'Ala Mo'ui 2010–2014. It sets out the strategic direction to address health needs of Pacific peoples and stipulates new actions, which will be delivered from 2014 to 2018.
Purpose
Actions for the next four years that will contribute to achieving the Government’s long-term outcomes for health. That is, all New Zealanders, including Pacific peoples, will lead healthier and more independent lives; high-quality health services will be delivered in a timely and accessible manner; and the future sustainability of the health and disability sector will be assured.
’Ala Mo’ui 2014–2018 is an update of the Ministry of Health’s ’Ala Mo’ui 2010–2014 as the key overarching document for improving the health outcomes of Pacific peoples. This publication replaces the Ministry of Health’s Pacific Health and Disability Action Plan (2002), the Pacific Health and Disability Workforce Development Plan (2004) and the Joint Action Plan for the Ministries of Health and Pacific Island Affairs (2008).
’Ala Mo’ui does not offer a comprehensive list of all activities that contribute to improving the health of Pacific peoples. Instead, it sets out the Government’s priority focus areas for Pacific health in the next four years. The vision of ’Ala Mo’ui is that:
- Pacific ‘āiga, kāiga, magafaoa, kōpū tangata, vuvale and fāmili2 experience equitable health outcomes and lead independent lives.