🩸 World Sickle Cell Day · 19 June. View events →Call us: +64 21 231 8485

Take action

Want to do something, but not sure what? Here are real ways to move the needle. Pick one. Pick five.

Active campaigns

What we're pushing for right now

👶

Universal newborn screening

Adding haemoglobinopathy detection to NZ's heel-prick test. The campaign of the decade.

Sign petition →

💊

Gene therapy access

Pushing Pharmac to evaluate the new gene therapies approved internationally.

Get involved →

🚨

ED protocol training

Standardised pain crisis protocols across NZ emergency departments.

Get involved →

How you can help

Eight ways to make a difference

✍️

Sign the petition

Add your name to our active campaign, takes 30 seconds.

📮

Write to your MP

We have letter templates ready. Email yours in 5 minutes.

📢

Share our content

Repost campaign updates on social, even one share matters.

💬

Tell your story

Lived experience moves policy. We'll support you to share it safely.

🤝

Bring us to your community

Invite us to your church, mosque, temple, marae, workplace, school.

🩸

Become a blood donor

NZ Blood Service always needs donors, especially from at-risk ethnic communities.

💸

Fund the work

Advocacy takes money. Donations underwrite our policy team.

🗳️

Vote informed

Ask candidates where they stand on rare disease care and ethnic health equity.

Letter to your MP

A template you can use

Dear [MP name],

I'm writing as a constituent to ask you to support universal newborn screening for haemoglobinopathies (thalassaemia and sickle cell disease) in New Zealand.

Most developed countries already do this, including the UK, USA, and most Australian states, because early diagnosis transforms outcomes for affected babies and is highly cost-effective.

As a [parent / clinician / community member / etc.], I've seen [your specific reason]. I'd love to hear what you and your party are doing to support this change.

More information: muskaancaretrust.org.nz/newborn-screening

Thank you for your consideration,
[Your name]
[Your suburb]

Don't know who your MP is? Find them at parliament.nz.