SIDS or Sitisi: plight and response of Pacificans in New Zealand (Aotearoa)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or Sitisi was considered a rare event among Pacificans worldwide. However, recent findings in New Zealand (Aotearoa) have shown that at least 33% of Pacific infant deaths in New Zealand since 1991 have been due to Sitisi, and the incidence of Sitisi among Pacificans has been on the increase since 1986. These findings have necessitated the development of a Pacific response, especially since a National SIDS Prevention Programme in Aotearoa, implemented in 1991, had led to decreasing rates amongst Pakeha (Europeans) only. This paper reports the Pacificans' experience with Sitisi and the response to the control of yet another epidemic amongst migrants. The response included research; community consultation; and training of Pacifically appropriate Community SIDS Educators. The importance and initiation of community-based strategies is central to the Pacificans' response to Sitisi and its determinants. The success of this approach provides a model for intervention and health promotion, at least, among Pacificans globally.