"Time bomb" of neglected Asian health problems in Christchurch

A new report which states that "The New Zealand Primary Health Care Strategy is failing in its aim of removing inequalities for all New Zealanders" has highlighted medical issues among the City's Asian community, with sexual health, obesity and addiction among the worst problems. Christchurch has an Asian population of 27,000, making it the second largest ethnic group in the city, behind Pākehā (New Zealanders of European decent). Wayne Reid, Partnership Health Canterbury ethnic liaison officer and co-author of the report told The Press that the Asian health crisis had snuck up on Christchurch because too many people had "kept their heads in the sand" for too long.

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Obesity was a concern as many Asians were seen as adopting the Western diet with little or no exercise, especially among young people with no cooking skills who relied on fast-food. Yet eating disorders were also a problem.

In a survey of the city's Asian community it was revealed that only 2 percent of the Asian community had accessed mental health services, yet mental-health issues were prevalent due to isolation, especially for those who could not speak English, stressed students and new mothers.

Asians also had difficulties in getting employment and with disruption of family support networks, which was a particular problem for refugees. The report suggested a language-specific description of New Zealand's health service for new immigrants.

Reid blamed the Immigration Department for much of the problem, saying it failed to inform migrants about New Zealand's health system. “Such countries as China and Korea had no primary health services, so telling them to contact a general practitioner was no help as they had no idea what that was and often did not understand English anyway,” he said.

An Asian Helpline and more Asian support workers in the community were also recommended.