COMMUNICATIONS

Christchurch Child Health Summit attracts top speakers

Canterbury will host some of New Zealand’s leading child health specialists at the 2006 Child Health Summit in Christchurch on October 11 and 12.

Speakers will include specialists from Health Promotion; Maori and Pacific Child Health; Nutrition and Physical Activity; and Early Childhood Education. Dr. Pat Tuohy, the Ministry of Health’s Chief Advisor for Children, is presenting information on the Well Child/Tamariki Ora framework which outlines the free services for children aged under five years.

On the second day, the Summit will focus on raising the profile of the first five years of a child’s life. Delegates will be sharing ideas and knowledge with peers to better understand and improve health outcomes for young New Zealanders.

The Canterbury Well Child Coalition Working Group consisting of representatives from Mana Whenua ki Waitaha, Community and Public Health (Canterbury District Health Board), Sport Canterbury, Maori SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and Early Start has been the driving force behind the Summit.

Sport Canterbury’s Active Movement Advisor, Adele Orangi said she had been astounded by the number of registrations. “It is amazing to see the response we have had - well over 400 enquiries from around New Zealand. We are lucky to have some of the country’s top speakers in this area presenting. The huge numbers show the increased awareness of the importance of investing in a child’s early years”.

The 2006 Child Health Summit will be held at the Cashmere Club, Colombo St, Christchurch.

ENDS