Alliance Health Plus

Media Release – 14 March 2015

'Mama Knows Best' at Auckland Pasifika Festival

Alliance Health Plus know they are on to a good thing with their 'Mama's House' initiative which is why they are once again bringing it back to Auckland's Pasifika festival on Saturday, 14 March.

“This is the third year we have used Mama's House to raise awareness around rheumatic fever. Feedback over the last two Pasifika events has confirmed to us that thinking outside and box and being innovative really works with getting important health messages across” says Rachel Enosa–Saseve, Manager Service Development and Integration at Alliance Health Plus.

Alliance Health Plus is New Zealand's only Pacific led Primary Health Organisation with an enrolled population of 93,000 across the Counties Manakau and Auckland DHBs.

Rheumatic fever is a very serious health condition which can have life long consequences if left untreated. Pacific children and young people are 44 times more likely to be admitted to hospital due to rheumatic fever than children and young people of other ethnicities.

“We came up with the idea of Mama's House as a way to raise awareness of rheumatic fever and how it can be prevented in a way that resonates with the people most at risk. The interactive and familiar feel of Mama's House, coupled with what we know about how much influence Pacific Mama's is the key to its success” said Ms Enosa-Saseve.

While, Alliance Health Plus has a particular focus on Pacific and high needs populations, its practice networks operate inclusively, catering for a wide range of needs. Part of the focus of Alliance Health Plus going forward is to look at programmes and initiatives that can transform the local communities in which it works.

“We are delighted to have received such a lot of support for our work generally, and for the Mama's House concept particularly. We have invited members of all political parties to come and visit our House on Saturday and are pleased to have Labour Deputy Leader and Health Spokesperson, Hon Annette King confirm her attendance and give her support for our PHO's initiative' said Ms Enosa-Saseve.

“Alliance Health Plus is at the forefront of tackling rheumatic fever. Their work across their communities has shown how important it is to engage and tell the real story about the causes and impact of this disease. I commend Alliance Health Plus for their innovative, responsive and inclusive approach” said Hon Annette King, Labour's Health Spokesperson.

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