Healthy babies healthy futures - a collaborative approach

Abstract

Abstract Maternal and child obesity is a complex issue as it is influenced by a range of health, as well as non-health determinants, and requires a holistic, multifaceted approach if we are to make a significant difference. A culturally appropriate health promotion intervention named Healthy Babies Healthy Futures (HBHF) was developed in 2014 to serve multi-ethnic communities focusing on Maternal Infant Nutrition & Physical Activity. Today HBHF has entered its 6th year delivering its services to the Maori, Pasifika, South-Asian and East-Asian communities. Cultural appropriateness and collaboration are the two pillars of HBHF; Culturally appropriate Community Learning Programme (CLP) - Six healthy lifestyle modules.Collaboration between The Ministry of Health, Two District Health Boards, the Roopu Kaitiaki (governance group), The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) and NGOs. This presentation will focus on these two pillars and share the; highlights we experiencedchallenges we encounteredopportunities we gained We cannot overrule the importance of inter and intra-sectoral partnerships that has made this initiative a great success. Of course, designing culturally appropriate intervention & activities for four ethnic groups was a big challenge. This presentation will talk through some of these challenges and learning from the same, including its unique funding model. Collaboration is when we are all working towards progress. This is made easier when we share the same vision, agree to the same values and strive for the same outcomes. This is demonstrated by how we share the limited resources, how we treat each other and how we serve four multi-ethnic communities. Key messages Cultural appropriateness and collaboration are the two pillars of health promotion. Inter and intra-sectoral collaborations is the key to success.