Reducing inequalities in oral health
Reducing inequalities in oral health outcomes and access to oral health services is one
of the seven key action areas identified in Good Oral Health for All, for Life (Ministry of
Health 2006b). Reducing inequalities is also one of the goals of the New Zealand
Health Strategy and is an important component of the Whānau Ora Strategic
Framework articulated in He Korowai Oranga: Māori Health Strategy. As such, it is
essential to consider how your programme, and the specific interventions, will influence
inequalities. Health promotion programmes and interventions should act to reduce
inequalities. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some interventions for
promoting oral health have resulted in widening inequalities.
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