Problem to be solved.
The problem is clearly defined: respecting World Health Org 2030 Hepatitis C (HCV) elimination goals, achieving the Aotearoa HCV Elimination Strategy 2021, meeting obligations of the New Zealand Health Strategy 2023 to achieve health equity for our diverse communities, especially for Māori, Pacific, disabled and vulnerable. And importantly wai ora health!
Healthcare Context.
HCV is the leading cause of liver transplants and the second leading cause of liver cancer in Aotearoa. 35 to 40 percent of over 50,000 New Zealanders with HCV are undiagnosed and asymptomatic with Māori disproportionately affected. This leads to comorbidities requiring often expensive long-term cares with poor outcomes.
Market Offerings.
A collaborative education and health-based screen and navigate to cure system underpinned by te ao Māori principles, contributing to global HCV elimination goals. By enabling kaiāwhina and non-regulated workforce supported recognition of skill, training and qualification with generating rapid community test results, linking to existing health care systems whilst navigating pathways to cure and beyond for wai ora. Reducing resourcing and financial burdens, while supporting and enhancing, existing health systems. And empowering iwi and communities to restore relationships and help mitigate some barriers preventing access to health care.
Unique Value Proposition (UVP).
Health Network Collective’s UVP is credibility: We have international health experience including implementing a government approved national HCV elimination strategy. Master’s level research focused on kaiāwhina and non-regulated workforce use of antibody Rapid Diagnostic Testing (RDT) Point of Care Testing (POCT), and navigating long term care. And awareness of te ao Māori community views and barriers faced in terms of equitable healthcare access from working experience.
Current Technologies.
Development of Emerging Disruptive Technologies (EDT) with mobile application(s) linking community to national systems.
Market Validation; Timing
The timing is right to commence implementation of this project in Aotearoa New Zealand. The current health reforms, national focus on better health outcomes for Māori and Pasifika, and the staffing crisis across all health sectors in New Zealand provides the perfect launching pad.