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What is known about asthma care and management for children and young people under 18 years of age in New Zealand

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 119
Authors:
  • Blamires J et al.
Summary:

A scoping review has identified clear gaps in asthma care for children and adolescents in New Zealand, and calls for more responsive, culturally grounded models to improve outcomes. The review included articles on asthma care for those aged <18 years published between 2014 and 2024, identified from MEDLINE, CINAHL, Scopus, PsychINFO, and grey literature. A total of 21 articles from health or community settings were analysed, revealing the following themes: (1) medications and adherence; (2) education and health literacy; (3) children and whānau experiences; (4) culture and beliefs. Persistent inequities in asthma outcomes and care access were noted, particularly for Māori and Pacific children.

Comment:
The challenge now is not generating more evidence of asthma inequity, but how to support health systems to shift power, funding, and accountability toward Māori-led, place-based (including home, school, marae), and preventionfocused asthma care that address the conditions (health and upstream) which shape tamariki lives.
Reference: Clin Respir J. 2025;19(12):e70139. 
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

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