Abstract ID: 19002

Author: Marama Pala

Title: INDIGENOUS/SOUTH PACIFIC VALUES = POSITIVE INTERVENTIONS AND CARE

Subject Area/Topic: Community Care and Support

Issues:

1. One size does not fit all!
2. Prevention messages are not reaching Indigenous communities.
3. No culturally determined care for People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

Description:

1. Current services are tailored to gender and sexuality environments, limiting the capability to be culturally appropriate and effective. Programs and services available are also not determined by the Māori/Indigenous/Pacific people. Adding to further marginalisation of an already marginalised people.
2. Minimal research data about Māori/Indigenous/Pacific People and HIV/AIDS, there is a number of factors suggesting that Māori/Indigenous/Pacific People may be vulnerable to infections, such as:
   • Lack of information
   • Urbanization/ trans-Tasman migration
   • Lack of access to culturally appropriate services
   • Māori are disproportionately on low and very low incomes
   • Lack of access to health resources, i.e. condoms.
3. Indigenous people suffer from high disease-specific mortality rates. These disparities are highest amongst Māori and Aboriginal Australians. Could this be because care is not culturally determined?

Indigenous Values are inclusive regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, vocation, and/or addictions. Prevention/Care needs to be defined for Indigenous people. An identified 'gap' in colonised countries.

Those infected and affected are also neglected.

PLWHA involvement is the key to effective Indigenous interventions, reducing stigma and discrimination by delivering the prevention message and breaking down cultural barriers with their own people. Including the family and the wider community as part of the intervention and supporting the families.

Next steps:

Provide programs with Indigenous Values, reducing vulnerability at an emigrational level and creating/adding an increased response to HIV/AIDS in the South Pacific. Provide improved support services for Indigenous PLWHA with culturally unique/specific designed and sensitive programs. Ultimately improving the quality of life, quality of information and friendlier environment to Indigenous people who have been displaced and/or prejudiced because of race, beliefs, values and HIV status. I am a minority, within a minority within a minority, with in minority.