Sad state of Maori health

Two recent reports make "grim reading" for Maori health, Associate Health Minister and Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says.

The Mortality and Demographic Data 2005 report showed Maori had a "consistently higher rate of cancer death", 4.7 times higher instances of diabetes and 4.5 times higher cases of chronic rheumatic heart disease.

It showed Maori had a greater proportion of deaths occurring in the younger age groups than non-Maori, particularly in the 45-64 age group.

The Perinatal and Maternal Mortality 2006 report said Pacific and Maori babies were more likely to die early.

The report made a number of recommendations including having detailed analysis neonatal deaths among Maori infants.

"Having endured the agony of losing mokopuna in their first weeks of life, I know how devastating such loss can be for the whole whanau," Mrs Turia said.

She was pleased with the recommendations made in the report.

- NZPA