A major healthcare program has shown success.
The Healthy Homes Initiative, led by Health New Zealand, has been instrumental in transforming the lives of over 200,000 people. The five-year evaluation, conducted by Otago University's He Kāinga Oranga research programme, highlights the initiative's significant impact on the health and wellbeing of its recipients.
According to the report, the Healthy Homes Initiative has provided more than 147,000 interventions, including education, beds, insulation, and heating. The data suggests that families living in warm, dry homes experience reduced hospitalisations (18.6%) and school absences (5%). Additionally, there is a notable decrease in employment benefits.
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti credits the initiative with delivering positive social investment results. "For every dollar spent, we have seen an estimated $5.07 in health savings over the following five years," he said. This achievement has solidified the government's commitment to continuing and expanding the programme.