Access to what is needed for a healthy life is a human right

Having what is necessary to be able to live a healthy life is fundamental human right, and persistent health inequities breach that right, the Public Health Advisory Committee (PHAC) says.

The independent committee has today published a position statement on Equity, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and Māori Health.

The PHAC was set up as part of last year’s health reforms to provide independent expert advice to the Government and public health entities on public health (often described as “the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organised efforts of society”).

The statement outlines how poor health outcomes are not the result of poor life choices but the consequences of the uneven distribution of the factors needed to support healthy lives. These factors include access to healthcare, healthy food, education, space and time for physical activity, warm and dry housing, transport, and secure employment. Because Māori are disadvantaged in every one of these, the result has been poorer health outcomes.

PHAC chair Kevin Hague says the statement is intended to provide a foundation for the committee’s future work and a resource others can use when developing policies that impact on health and wellbeing.

“The statement outlines how equal access to the determinants of good health is a fundamental human right, supported by the United Nations Human Rights Framework and protected under international law. These mean everyone in this country should experience the level of resources needed to support a healthy life,” Mr Hague says.

“However, we know that a Māori child born now will, on average, live for nearly 8 years less than a Pākehā child. They will be more likely to suffer ill health such as stroke, renal disease, type-2 diabetes, mental distress, and cancer, which they will be less likely to survive.

“Poor health outcomes for tamariki Māori are not random or the result of poor lifestyle choices. They are the consequence of structural inequities going back generations that limit access to the resources needed to support a healthy life and wellbeing.

“Under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Government is obliged to act where Māori are disadvantaged, meaning the significant and persistent health inequities experienced by Māori represent a breach of that obligation.”

But as well as legal obligation, Mr Hague said the Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles established by the Waitangi Tribunal provided Government and others with solutions for addressing health inequities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

“Addressing health inequities and living up to Te Tiriti o Waitangi mean prioritising our investment for people, whānau and communities who have the least access to the determinants of good health and wellbeing so all of us can be empowered to live a healthier life."