Going pink in Porirua

14 February 2019

It was all go at Te Rauparaha Arena on Saturday when Pacific women from across Porirua gathered to have blood pressure checks, talk about exercise, and undergo breast and cervical screening.

‘Pinikilicious’ is an organisation of Pacific women from Cannons Creek, Waitangirua and Ascot Park. It works with health providers – including Capital & Coast DHB and Breast Screening Aotearoa – to support and encourage Pacific women to engage in breast and cervical screening programmes early.

“We know if women are tested early, they have more options – however we know our communities and understand what can prevent them from attending these programmes,” said Pinikilicious member Caroline Mareko.

“Pinikilicious encourages Pacific women to get screened, and our work with the DHB and screening services seen 580 Pacific women do exactly that over the past six years.”

Saturday’s event also saw the programme carry out 103 blood pressure checks, 83 surveys about access and utilisation of screening services, and 30 exercise assessments.

“Groups like Pinikilicious are the experts in their communities. Without these kinds of groups, we would struggle to achieve our outcomes for Pasefika communities,” said DHB Pacific Director Taima Fagaloa.

“Pinikilicious’ events are a great way to engage Pasefika women and for the DHB to work with, and support, local communities on the ground.”

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