A recent report titled “Pacific Contribution to the New Zealand COVID-19 Response: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Missed Opportunities” reveals that Pacific people in Aotearoa experienced disproportionately high death rates during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study, led by Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga of the University of Auckland’s Centre for Pacific and Global Health, emphasizes the need for improved support for these communities in future health crises.
Despite New Zealand’s overall successful pandemic response, the report highlights significant shortcomings in addressing the specific needs of Pacific populations. “Despite clear and consistent evidence related to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Pacific communities, the national response fell short of engaging with Pacific leaders, instead adopting a generic ‘one size fits all’ approach,” the report states.
Key findings indicate that Pacific individuals were twice as likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 compared to non-Pacific and non-Māori groups. Alarmingly, among those under 80 years old who died within 28 days of being reported as a case, a higher percentage were Pacific people than those in other ethnic groups.
The research, funded by the Ministry of Health and conducted in collaboration with the Pasifika Medical Association and the Fono, gathered experiences from 147 Pacific individuals. It found that the virus and subsequent lockdowns significantly impacted participants’ mental health.
The report also addresses issues of stigma and discrimination, noting that media coverage in August 2021 linked a Pacific church to a large COVID-19 cluster, leading to “racist vilification” of the Sāmoan community. It recommends that government officials, media, and Pacific community leaders collaborate closely to prevent similar occurrences in future pandemics.
To better support Pacific communities, the report suggests providing clear guidelines to Pacific health services promptly, reviewing hospital visitor policies, and enabling these communities to establish testing and vaccination centers at the onset of an outbreak. It also underscores the importance of churches in offering guidance, combating misinformation, and providing social support during a pandemic.
While initial vaccine uptake among Pacific people was slow, 95% were fully vaccinated by December 2021, with 68% citing family care as their motivation.
The report concludes that addressing existing socioeconomic disparities, such as overcrowded living conditions and delayed access to healthcare, is essential for any comprehensive public health strategy aimed at mitigating the impact of pandemics on vulnerable populations.
