A dismal picture is being painted of our tamariki's health, with more being hospitalised for preventable diseases.  

A new Cure Kids report reveals unacceptably high hospitalisation rates for respiratory, skin and rheumatic conditions, mental health issues, and dental diseases. 

It finds Māori and Pasifika children and those from lower income households are disproportionately affected. 

Chief executive Frances Soutter says we need to address social factors like child poverty and create more equitable access to health and nutrition.  

She says we need intentional collaborative action to shift these statistics.   

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