Asian Women’s Health – A concern for all

Asian Women’s Health – A concern for all

Auckland, New Zealand (September, 2009) – A highly successful symposium that challenges and highlights the urgent needs of Asian Women’s health and wellbeing in New Zealand returns to Auckland on Friday 18 September at Alexandra Park Function Centre.

Organised by the Asian Health Foundation of New Zealand (AHFNZ) and WONS: Nursing, Education and Health Promotion Services, the 2nd Asian Women’s Health Symposium tackles concerns and issues that remain unanswered by policy makers, researchers and funders in this country’s health sector.

Four key themes will be addressed at the symposium:

• Barriers and Inequalities (including Healthy Lifestyles)
• Mental Health Prevention
• Sexual Health and Violence
• Workforce Capacity Development

“Asian communities are the fastest growing population and the third largest ethnic group in New Zealand. There is increasing evidence that the health of Asian migrants deteriorates after settlement here. Asian women’s sexual health remains are a major concern for health service providers. Cervical and breast screening rates are well below the national average with Auckland District Health Board’s Asian coverage rate lower than all other ethnicities,” says Dr. Kawshi De Silva, Chairperson of the AHFNZ.

“WONS cervical screening data has highlighted a high rate of HPV in Asian women, certain types of HPV being the cause of cervical cancer. There is strong ignorance among young Asian women regarding their future risk of HPV. Most believe they will not be at risk of the virus and are less likely to participate in the new Cervical Cancer Vaccination Programme. The vaccine can prevent 70% of cervical cancers in the future,” adds Ruth Davy, CEO of WONS: Nursing, Education and Health Promotion Services.

Hon. Pansy Wong, Minister of Women’s Affairs will deliver the opening address. Asian survey results from the findings of the SPARC 2007/08 Active New Zealand Survey will be presented by Grant Mclean.

Date: Friday 18 September, 2009
Time: 8.30am – 4.30pm
Venue: Rutherford Hall, Alexandra Park Function Centre, Greenlane West, Epsom
Registration: $50 (includes lunch and refreshments).
Register online :
http://www.wons.org.nz/nursing/asianwomenshealth.asp

ENDS

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