We actively engage with the New Zealand government to advocate for the lives of those impacted by endometriosis in New Zealand. Below is some of the work we have done to progress this goal.
These priorities are ultimately focused on helping achieve earlier diagnosis, fairer access to treatment, better care, more Aotearoa-specific research, and a more responsive health system for those living with endometriosis.
Endometriosis New Zealand has submitted detailed applications to Pharmac seeking public funding for two important hormonal treatments for endometriosis – Visanne (Dienogest) as a first-line option, and Ryeqo (relugolix with estradiol and norethisterone acetate) as a second-line treatment.
Access to affordable and effective treatment options remains one of the biggest challenges in endometriosis care in New Zealand.
These applications are about giving patients and their clinicians access to more tools to manage this complex and life-changing condition. Having a range of funded hormonal options that sit alongside other treatment options is critical. This allows care to be tailored to the individual, their symptoms and stage of life.
Without Pharmac funding, both medicines can cost hundreds of dollars every few months, putting them out of reach for many people.
Hormonal treatments work by supressing the oestrogen that drives endometriosis, helping to reduce pain and lower the risk of symptoms returning after surgery.
Endometriosis is an oestrogen-dependent condition so treatments that reduce or regulate oestrogen can help control symptoms and disease progression. Clinically, these therapies are often used as part of long-term endometriosis management plans.
Endometriosis New Zealand has worked with both medicine suppliers to ensure the two treatments are provided here. Our advocacy has been particularly influential in persuading the manufacturer of Visanne to make the treatment available to the New Zealand market.
We do not endorse any one treatment, but advocate for fair access to the full range of evidence-based treatment options, so clinicians and patients can make the best decision for each individual. These applications are about ensuring all those with endometriosis, regardless of their financial circumstances, have the same access to modern and effective treatment options.
With the recent changes in government at the end of 2023, Endometriosis New Zealand developed a briefing to the incoming Ministers to advocate for a specific endometriosis national action plan.
In July 2023, Manatū Hauora Ministry of Health released Aotearoa New Zealand’s first Women’s Health Strategy.
Endometriosis New Zealand is calling on the Ministry of Health to formally adopt the Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis as Aotearoa New Zealand’s new national clinical guideline.
Developed by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), this modern, evidence-based guideline has already been adopted across Australia and is internationally recognised as best practice. It offers significant improvements in diagnosis, treatment, and equity of care for the more than 120,000 New Zealanders living with endometriosis.
The current 2020 Ministry of Health guideline is outdated and no longer fit for purpose. In contrast, the new Australian guideline is:
Endometriosis New Zealand urges the Ministry of Health to:
Endometriosis New Zealand submitted on this strategy prior to its release to advocate for Manatū Hauora to include endometriosis in the release.
Our submission specifically called for for the development of a national endometriosis action plan, similar to that which was successfully implemented in Australia. Such a plan will provide a clear pathway to address endometriosis, through enhanced education, increased awareness, improved clinical management and care, and focused research initiatives.
Endometriosis New Zealand would like to sincerely thank everyone in our community who sent in a personal submission, as well as New Zealand’s two other endometriosis charities, Insight Endometriosis and Endo Warriors Aotearoa, who also supported our submission.
Endometriosis New Zealand has made a submission to the Commerce Commission on the New Zealand Gynaecology Association’s application for authorisation to collectively negotiate with Southern Cross Health Insurance and hospitals.
Our submission does not take a position on competition law issues but highlights the importance of protecting patient access to specialist endometriosis care, ensuring funding frameworks provide for complex surgical cases, maintaining patient choice, and avoiding placing further pressure on the public health system.
Whether you live with endometriosis, support someone who does, or simply care about better outcomes for the 120,000 New Zealanders with the condition, there are practical ways you can help us advocate for better endometriosis care in Aotearoa New Zealand.
You can support Endometriosis New Zealand’s advocacy by:
The key messages you can help share are simple – New Zealand needs a coordinated National Endometriosis Action Plan, modern clinical guidelines, better awareness, earlier diagnosis, and fair access to treatment and care, regardless of where someone lives or what they can afford.