Doctor's Claim Following New Research A Giant Step Back

The M�ori SIDS team, coordinators of a national programme to reduce the rates of SUDI (Sudden and Unexpected Death of Infants) in M�ori communities, refutes Dr Ed Mitchell‟s claim that findings of a P�keh� initiated enquiry makes it acceptable to alienate M�ori despite their values and beliefs.

“This type of suggestion is abhorrent and consistent with Dr Mitchell‟s stand-over tactics of past years to intimidate M�ori parents and caregivers, and demean M�ori cultural values,” says M�ori SIDS spokesperson, Herena Te Wano.
M�ori SIDS continues to uphold that Dr Mitchell‟s ongoing lobby for a hardline, single, anti-bedsharing message will cause more damage than good.

Mrs Te Wano speculates, “The bedsharing debate is certainly not a new one and is designed to polarise communities. At M�ori SIDS we are focused on working with communities rather than promoting this type of divisiveness.”

The M�ori SIDS team is disappointed that non-M�ori health researchers choose to work in isolation from M�ori communities where the issue is fully blown. M�ori SIDS advocates that researchers need to ensure their work is relevant to current realities such as sector and policy environments.

Mrs Te Wano asserts, “SUDI researchers really need to get a grip on current realities and how the health sector is evolving. Wh�nau Ora policy ensures social and health services are responsive and appropriate for M�ori. M�ori families should be supported to make their own decisions based on information that is reliable and culturally sound. If health research is going to be of any use to this then it should follow suit, or else this is valuable resource going down the drain.”

The M�ori SIDS team take exception to the criticism which they believe indirectly targets the M�ori SIDS programme and their efforts to work positively with M�ori communities.

Mrs Te Wano states, “Far from a „softly, softly approach‟, I would like to inform Dr Mitchell that models of empowerment and engagement underpin the M�ori SIDS philosophy to ensure the development and implementation of long-term, sustainable solutions within M�ori communities. As advocates for Wh�nau Ora, we know and understand that M�ori communities are more than able and willing to be informed and educated on complex issues that affect them, and that there are effective, appropriate and respectful ways to do this.”

M�ori SIDS is pleased to announce a new partnership formalised with Ng� Manga Puriri in the Northland region. This partnership model signals a fresh, new and innovative approach undertaken by M�ori SIDS in relation to working strategically with M�ori leaders and communities. M�ori SIDS is leading the discussions towards realising the vision – Mokopuna Ora: He Kaupapa Motuhake.

“If Wh�nau Ora is the approach, then healthy, vibrant mokopuna or Mokopuna Ora must be an outcome that we all must strive for,” concluded Mrs Te Wano.

The Mokopuna Ora Train the Trainer programme aims to support the increase of skills and knowledge to assist in the reduction of sudden and unexpected deaths of M�ori infants, is built on kaupapa M�ori strategies, and integrates mahi r�ranga through the development of wahakura with evidence-based key messages.
On the new project, Ng� Manga Puriri Public Health advisor, Ms Lyndon-Tonga said,

“We are all about finding indigenous solutions to address the tragic rate of M�ori babies dying of SIDS and SUDI, we believe in „Hikoi te kōrero‟ and this is a kaupapa that we are committed to supporting and walking the talk on.”

The partnership terms of agreement were signed last month at Ngunguru Marae, near Whangarei.

Contact:
Ali Ahu
Operations Assistant
Maori SIDS
Ph: 09 373 7599 ext 89856
Fax: 09 373 7030
Mobile: 027 497 7150
dev.maorisids.org.nz