7. MARYAN STREET (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
What has the uptake of the meningococcal B immunisation programme been amongst the Māori population and what impact has that had on cases?
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister of Health) Link to this
Almost half a million Māori children have now been immunised. There has been a 90 percent reduction in epidemic strain cases in Māori in the northern region since the immunisation campaign began. That is a huge achievement—
Hon Tau HenareBecause they have more than one dose. This is a huge achievement for Māori and the New Zealand health community, and I applaud them for their efforts. [ Interruption] It is also an example of what happens when health funding is targeted by ethnicity, and the National Party opposition to that sort of initiative is a disgrace.
Rt Hon Winston Peters Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. It is impossible to hear the answers from here. A challenge came from across the Chamber as to how there could be half a million children immunised. I know there is a logical answer to that, but I could not hear it. Could we have a repeat of it, please?
Madam SPEAKERThere has been a 90 percent reduction in epidemic strain cases in Māori in the northern region since the immunisation campaign began. That is a huge achievement for Māori and the New Zealand health community, and I applaud them. It is also an example of what happens when health funding is targeted by ethnicity, and the National Party opposition to that sort of initiative is a disgrace.
I am advised that the campaign has prevented two cases of epidemic meningococcal B every week just in South Auckland, and that awareness of the need for all immunisations has improved dramatically. That is what can be achieved in our communities when a Government is willing to invest in the health of New Zealanders.