A Government housing programme is making a difference for struggling communities.

The Healthy Homes initiative provides bedding, curtains, housing relocation and heating to low-income families around the country.

A three-year outcomes report has found those who have been helped are 20 percent less likely to go to hospital.

Associate Minister of Health Aupito William Sio told Tim Dower the health sector identified respiratory illnesses from poor housing was impacting specific parts of the community.

He says they were finding it was causing harm to young Māori and Pacific people so it was identified as a significant need.

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