Indigenous health promotion competency and workforce development to address social determinants of health in Aotearoa, New Zealand [Oral Presentation]

Abstract

Background:

Unequal distribution of the social determinants of health gives rise to health inequities. Within Aotearoa New Zealand there is differential distribution of the social determinants of health between Māori and non-Māori. Health promotion practice is an approach to address such inequities and improve health outcomes. Effective capacity building tools and workforce development opportunities facilitates best practice.

Methods:

Development of inclusive, appropriate and equitable capacity building tools based on New Zealand health promotion practice and informed by the Ottawa Charter and te Tiriti o Waitangi. 1. TUHANZ a practical framework that supports understanding of te Tiriti and how it relates to health promotion practice. 2. Health promotion competencies knowledge and clusters informed by indigenous health promotion practice. 3. Establishing an equitable and accessible health promotion society.

Results/Discussions:

The capacity building tools content inform workforce development opportunities such as specific indigenous health promotion workshops and university curriculums to guide the development of health promotion practice and the effectiveness of health promotion and public health practitioners. The health promotion competencies knowledge and clusters are informed by indigenous health promotion practice providing an appropriate framework for Māori to increase control over their health and wellbeing. The development of the health promotion society is based on being equitable and inclusive and is led and developed in partnership with the health promotion workforce.

Conclusions/implications:

Nationally there is increased value associated with indigenous health promotion knowledge and practice which will continue to develop and supports opportunities for increased indigenous health leadership. Such an inclusive and equitable approach to developing indigenous health promotion workforce development opportunities and capacity building tools can assist and inform indigenous health promotion globally.