Child Health

Children and young people are our future. Our families/whanau and our community are the guardians of that future. You, as a community, identified the health of children, young people and families as a high priority for the Wairarapa District Health Board when surveyed, as part of the DHB's first strategic planning exercise.

It remains a high priority. Despite many improvements in the statistics related to child health over the last 5 years, too many children still die or are injured, too many young people are at risk form drugs, alcohol, poor nutrition and exercise patterns, sexual activity, dental health and suicide. Too many families are unable to find the support or resources to make wise choices in caring for themselves and their children.

There are many areas where, by working together, we are making a significant difference for children and young people. Notable successes have been; the Menz B immunisation campaign, establishing school and marae-based clinics, improving breastfeeding rates, and ensuring that access to sexual health services was available throughout the Wairarapa. Current projects include improving access to oral health services, encouraging healthy lifestyles through initiatives like 10,000steps@school and developing initiatives around suicide prevention.

It takes a village to raise a child—and it's through community wide cooperation and collaboration that we can address the health issues of children and young people, so they can look forward to a happier and healthier future—for themselves and future generations.

 

Additional pages:

Resources and publications

Pregnancy and parenting

Youth Health

Services for children and young people