New Zealand must take more responsibility for all its children: PHA
Public Health Association media release, 13 December 2010
The Public Health Association (PHA) says the findings of the Children’s Social Health Monitor, released today, shows New Zealand must take more responsibility for its children’s wellbeing.
“It’s scary how sick children are getting, particularly those who live in houses where there isn't enough money to
sustain basic health,” says the PHA’s National Executive Officer, Dr Gay Keating.
“Health begins where people live, learn, work and play. The Children’s Social Health Monitor shows that for too many children the situations in which they live and learn are pushing them into illness, crippling
some for life and cutting short the lives of others.”
One focus of the Children’s Social Health Monitor was the children who end up in hospital with medical conditions that
should easily be prevented – or treated early – in a country like New Zealand.
“A wise country will ensure that all children reach their potential, because socially and economically, we need every
child to become the best adult they can. The World Health Organization reminds us that getting it right for children is
the basis of a robust society. Very recently UNICEF warned rich countries such as New Zealand that we all lose out when
some of our children are left too far behind.
“We need to all take responsibility to make sure that our children have the benefits of a dry house and enough food to
eat, a warm coat in winter and shoes. As a society we need to be sufficiently broadminded to ensure these conditions
exist for all our children, even if their parents can't work because they are ill or disabled or are unemployed.
"If we don't care about all our children now, we will all pay dearly in the future."
ENDS