NZ team conducting discussions on improving cancer services in Niue
After visiting the 6 Polynesian countries, the team will compile all the information and present a Activity Design Document to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade with the regions needs to improve cancer services.
University of Auckland-Professor Jude McCool
A team from New Zealand is currently conducting discussions on areas of improving cancer services in Niue and what can be improved in regards to cancer treatment and palliative care.
University of Auckland’s Head of School for Population Health in the Health Faculty and Health Sciences-Professor Jude McCool shared with BCN News their main focus is on building leadership on research and hoping to have an impact on improving health outcomes.
“The purpose of the visit is to sit down and have a conversation, talanoa with colleagues to understand what their needs are for cancer control and that’s right from the early stage, awareness raising, early detection and screening right through to treatment which I understand is in NZ said Professor McCool.
The team understands that some if this treatment is done here and then to palliative care, looking after people who are dying of cancer.
“The focus is is to understand what is already working in Niue and where there are gaps, things could be changed or improved to really support health outcomes for cancer patients in Niue,” she said.
She highlighted some of the challenges are the lack of resources, Niue’s remoteness, it’s small work force and it’s important that resources are used effectively.
After visiting the 6 Polynesian countries, the team will compile all the information and present an Activity Design Document to the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade with the regions needs to improve cancer services.
The 7 months work is funded by the Polynesia Health Corridors Programme.
Professor McCool is also one of the co-directors for the Centre for Pacific and Global Health, alongside Sir Collin Tukuitonga (KNZM), and Dr Roannie Ng Shiu.
The center was launched on April 19, 2023 with the mission to transform and positively impact health for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, the Pacific region and globally through high-quality and implementable research.
The team leaves the island on Friday.
