The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand is urging the community to help provide $20,000 worth of Asthma Emergency Kits to primary schools.
Foundation Chief Executive Letitia Harding says the goal is to make a meaningful difference to the health of Kiwi children – and especially Pacific Islands children – with asthma, during the coming winter months.
Harding says the Foundation’s efforts are crucial for Pacific people who “bear the greatest burden of respiratory diseases in New Zealand.”
According to the Foundation, Pacific people have hospitalisation rates for respiratory illnesses that are 2.6 times higher than those for other ethnic groups across all age groups.
“One of the most significant challenges for children with asthma is the impact on their education,” Harding says.
“In New Zealand, an estimated 3,000 children are hospitalised annually due to asthma, and approximately 350,000 school days are lost as a result.”
The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation is working to ensure that every classroom in every school has the appropriate medicine for an asthma emergency, along with clear instructions for educators on how to assist their students.
“Every dollar raised will go towards providing Asthma Emergency Kits to schools in need,” says Harding.
“The Foundation receives no Government funding, so again we are calling on the generosity of New Zealanders to help us do this vital work. $20,000 would mean around 400 primary schools would receive a kit, and if we can raise more – even better”
Harding says by concentrating on Pacific people and other vulnerable populations, the Foundation is working to address the disparities in respiratory health across New Zealand.
