Pasifika researchers are amongst the recipients granted funds from Arthritis NZ Aotearoa (Arthritis NZ).
The funded projects represent approximately $420,000 in research investment and address critical areas relevant to people living with gout arthritis (gout), osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE/lupus).
Many of the projects have a strong commitment to addressing health inequities, particularly focusing on improving health outcomes for Māori and Pasifika communities.
Among the research grants, Taimalieutu Kiwi Tamasese from The Family Centre has been awarded $80,000 in funding to lead a study on gout within Pasifika communities living in the Wellington and Wairarapa region with a view to reducing the barriers these consumers face.
Additionally, four senior undergraduate and honours-level students have received summer scholarships, each worth $6,000. The projects will include investigation of brain wave patterns associated with OA pain, the potential benefits of lower leg hot-water immersion for patients with hip or knee OA, genetic variants in gout among Māori and Pasifika Peoples, and Māori experiences of engaging with physiotherapy services for OA.
These scholarships demonstrate Arthritis NZ’s ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of researchers while addressing pressing health challenges for New Zealanders with arthritis.
Research Manager at Arthritis NZ, Dr Richard Griffiths says, “These projects demonstrate our unwavering commitment to improving the lives of all New Zealanders living with arthritis.
“By investing in diverse and impactful research, we’re fostering innovation while prioritising health equity for Māori and Pasifika communities living with arthritis.”
