Puberty blocker use in New Zealand far higher than similar countries – study

Total number of people aged

26 Sep 2024

NZ Herald

New Zealand is prescribing up to seven times more puberty blockers to young transgender patients than other similar countries, new analysis shows.

Prescribing rates have fallen slightly in the last two years, possibly because of growing caution in some countries about possible long-term effects.

But researchers said the use of the puberty-stalling hormones remained relatively high at a time when overseas jurisdictions were becoming increasingly restrictive about their use.

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Principles for embedding learning and adaptation into New Zealand health system functioning: the example of the Viable System Model

Principles for embedding learning and adaptation into New Zealand health system functioning: the example of the Viable System Model

The New Zealand health system is large, complex and subject to ongoing change. To be viable over the long term, as for any system, our health system must take a consistent, continuous approach to learning. Read...

Key issues

HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS

Covering developments in the provision, funding and organisation of health care services.

EQUITY

Exploring the impacts of the health system on minorities within the population, notably including Māori, Pacifica, Asians and LGBTQI.

DRUGS, DEVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS

Covering prescription medicines and medical devices.

PUBLIC HEALTH

Focusing on efforts to promote health and prevent disease through social and economic interventions.

DIGITAL HEALTH

Exploring the potential digital transformation to provide a more connected and accessible health system.

TE TIRITI

Monitoring how the health reforms and the performance of the health sector uphold Te Tiriti obligations.