BEYOND THE BLOOD: ROLE OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND CALL TO ACTION FOR SUPPORTING NEW ZEALANDERS AFFECTED BY THALASSAEMIA AND SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA IN AOTEAROA NZ

Think Piece shared by Vivek Vij (Asian Caucus member) Chairperson, NGO Thalassaemia and Sickle Cell Aotearoa NZ (TASCA NZ) at Muskaan Care Trust NZ towards PHA NZ think tank. 

A Public Health Think Piece on Genetic Blood Disorders, Cultural Stigma, and the Unseen Struggles of Ethnic, Migrant Communities in Aotearoa

New Zealand’s healthcare system is widely admired for its accessibility and commitment to equity. However, sadly this does not extend to the realities faced by many New Zealanders living with thalassaemia and sickle cell anaemia. These genetic blood disorders, which predominantly affect ethnic minorities from Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia and Mediterranean backgrounds, remain largely invisible in public health discourse. This think piece seeks to highlight the gaps in our healthcare system and advocate for necessary policy & reforms.