There are calls for the government to save more Māori women's lives by immediately funding a DIY test for the virus that causes many cervical cancers.
Māori women are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with cervical cancer and three times more likely to die from it than Pākēhā women.
The DIY swab test for the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV can be used by women at home instead of having to visit a doctor for a smear test.
Lady Tureiti Moxon is chair of the National Urban Māori Authority, and was among those making the case for funding the tests at the Māori affairs select commitee hearing into health inequities.
Lisa Owen asks Lady Moxon why we need the DIY test when we already have a cervical screening programme.
Lisa asks Lady Moxon what her message is to Māori women. She responds in te reo Māori.
Here is a translation:
"To everyone and the strong women. This is a message for you to take heed of. Go to your doctor now and get it done. Go there and they’ll help you with this test especially for women. Be brave. You are strong women in your families, sub tribes and tribes. Let’s all be brave."
