An organisation addressing inequities for trans men and women in our health system says a Pasifika model of care is needed to help those who identify as trans in the Pasifika community.
A recent report written by the Professional Association for Transgender Health Aotearoa (PATHA) and published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, aims to advocate equity for trans men and women in our public healthcare system. The New Zealand Government has allocated $2.18 million over four years in the 2022 Budget for improving healthcare services for transgender patients.
PATHA president, Dr. Jamie Vaele, says her organisation appreciates the much-needed funds, which will go towards improving the health of the trans community, including our Pasifika trans men and women.
“The proposed healthcare model takes a holistic approach, incorporating aspects of an individual’s life, including family and community, while incorporating Pasifika models of care. The Pasifika community leadership will be instrumental in making sure that the Pasifika models of care are part of the conversation.”
Dr. Vaele says the healthcare model proposed by PATHA will focus on person-centred gender affirming healthcare for all transgender people and their unique needs, regardless of their location. It will also promote transgender cultural safety and awareness.
“Many gender-affirming healthcare services, including surgeries and hormones, are not available in local hospitals or clinics, leaving some individuals with an unmet need for gender-affirming hormones” she says.
Phylesha Brown Acton, director of F’ine Pasifika and prominent Pasifika trans activist, says the current healthcare system does not adequately meet the needs of transgender people, particularly Pasifika. She endorses the changes proposed by PATHA.
“Access to proper healthcare is a universal and human right. While organisations like Youth Health and Pacific Rainbow have helped improve access, the lack of accessibility to adequate healthcare providers mainly affect the most marginalised people in the transgender community, such as Pacific and Māori trans men and women,” she says.
Phylesha says PATHA’s vision will increase the quality of life for trans men and women, provide better accessibility, and will reduce the rate of suicide and anxiety amongst trans patients.
