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Supporting the public health workforce
Public health is about population groups – looking beyond health care services to the aspects of society, environment, culture, economy and community that shape the health status of populations.
Pasifika peoples continue to have poorer health status than the general New Zealand population, with lower life expectancy and higher rates of mortality and hospitalisations for conditions that could have been avoided, given timely access to effective healthcare.
A key enabler for reducing inequalities in health outcomes is developing a capable workforce. Le Va’s focus is to strengthen the Pacific public health workforce, and enhance the capability of the non-Pacific workforce to ensure access to best possible services for Pasifika people and their families.
Le Va’s work is guided by Ministry of Health priorities, as outlined in Taeao o Tautai: Pacific Public Health Workforce Development Implementation Plan 2012–2017.
Careers in public health
Public health qualifications open a range of doors for diverse career opportunities. Be inspired to work in public health, and check out these career profile videos highlighting four emerging Pasifika leaders working in the public health space.
Public health resources
Le Va supports and honours the tradition of tatau, respects and cherishes our valuable Tufuga (traditional Samoan tattooist), and promotes safe and healthy tattooing, so that we can maintain cultural traditions. From a public health perspective, we’ve put together this video and educational factsheet to help prevent infection and encourage healthy and safe customary tattooing.