Pacific engagement includes addressing misinformation and improving access to key facts

In an interview for Te Ao Tapatahi, Dr Tukuitonga emphasized the importance of tailoring support to Pacific so it is better communicated and accessed.

“We’ve got to be more imaginative in respect of how we can reach all our communities effectively,” he says.

He says targeted approaches on top of information being supplied in different Pacific languages will help to counter anti-vaccination rhetoric and the spread of misinformation on social media.

“Without a doubt, Pasifika people are subject to all kinds of misinformation. Providing information in the different languages would help.

Young people are also very active on social media so it’s better to call it out, provide the facts and direct people to appropriate sources.”

Dr Tukuitonga has also been vocal around the need for Pasifika and Maori to be prioritized for the COVID-19 vaccine and says it needs to be more adjusted to suit these populations.

“There should be additional targeted options for Pasifika in a church setting. We’ve got to make it easier for people to get the vaccination and should now be prioritizing Māori and Pasifika who are unvaccinated,” says Dr Tukuitonga.

“We need to put more effort, more resources, create more options and provide better information and support while continuing to vaccinate as many of our other citizens in Aotearoa.”