Health days expose vital medical gaps
The importance of cancer cervical smear tests should be obvious to all women.
That was certainly emphasised during two free Pasifika health days in Ashburton last week where overdue cancer cervical smear test needs were identified for many who attended.
Members of the Tangata Atumotu Trust, which is Canterbury’s longest-standing Pasifika provider, ran the two free health days.
Trust community outreach workers Percy Tilialo and Fifita Satui said the events helped some Pasifika people understand the importance of going to the doctor.
"On Friday, we had more than 20 people,” Satui said.
"According to Self Screen (non-profit organisation that administers our national breast screening programme), that’s really good compared to previous events.’’
Over 40 attended both days to receive health advice and check-ups.
"Most of the ladies were long overdue for a smear test,” Tilialo said.
She said the cervical screening self-tests were a big hit, as were the blood pressure tests.
The health days were important to raise awareness among the Pasifika people in Ashburton about what services were available and help get them registered with GPs or finding support groups.
"We raise awareness of what’s available, and deal with any barriers they come across that might keep them away from the doctors,” Satui said.
Saturday was the family health day and that was needed because it was a chance for everyone to look at their heath.
"Not just the mum, not just the dad. Sometimes the mums didn’t want to come because she has to look after the kids.
"We want to make sure that it's accessible for everyone.’’
By Anisha Satya