South-Asian Community Drives Development of Health Resources

Efforts are underway in New Zealand to improve health outcomes for the South-Asian community, which has been identified as facing significant health challenges. The East Health Trust Primary Health Organisation has partnered with researchers from the University of Otago to create culturally-tailored health resources aimed at addressing issues such as the notably high rates of type 2 diabetes and heart disease prevalent among South-Asian men in the region.

The initiative focuses on local South-Asian populations, including individuals with connections to countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives. To ensure the developed resources meet the community’s needs, a series of collaborative focus groups and co-design sessions took place between September and November 2023.

During these sessions, community members shared their lived experiences, providing valuable insights into what constitutes effective health support. Participants discussed preferred languages, communication styles, and the cultural significance of various venues and facilitators.

Parvin Kapila, Health Promotion Coordinator, noted the depth of understanding gained from the discussions. “We heard what they wanted in terms of good nutrition, healthy living information and how that differs for this community. The different foods and the importance of it to their heritage were highlighted,” Kapila stated.

The insights offered by community members will play a crucial role in shaping future health-promotion programmes. Kapila emphasized, “Their guidance on how we can deliver this information to create the most health impact was insightful. Being culturally aware and respectful, thinking about family, and recognizing the busyness of their lives will guide our next steps.”

The co-design approach exemplifies a commitment to delivering health services that are not only effective but also culturally sensitive. Resources developed through this initiative are expected to be available for community use by 2026.

This engagement marks a significant step toward fostering collaborative health services tailored to the unique needs of diverse communities. The East Health Trust aims to create a framework that not only addresses pressing health issues but also honors the cultural identities of those it serves.

Updates on this initiative and other local health developments will be featured in upcoming issues of the Eastern Times and on their website, ensuring the community remains informed about advances in health support tailored to their needs.