Wellington, April 15 NZPA - A trial health programme at early childhood centres in Taranaki aims to reduce the number of Maori children hospitalised with asthma.

Six out of every 1000 Maori children under the age of 19 are hospitalised with asthma each year.

The average for New Zealand European children is two in every 1000.

Maori children are also four times more likely to die from asthma.

The Space to Breathe -- He Tapu Te Ha programme began in 20 kohanga reo and early childhood education centres this week. Developed by Pharmac, it aims to promote greater awareness of asthma and how to manage it.

Pharmac spokeswoman Marama Parore said a better understanding of asthma could help families avoid attacks, hospitalisation and even death.

Maori and Pacific children were also being prescribed reliever medicine and not enough preventive medicine, she said.

"What this programme is all about is improved knowledge of asthma and asthma treatment, right from doctors and pharmacists through to caregivers, parents and children," she said.

"Too often people are waiting for children to show asthma symptoms before seeking treatment and then they end up in hospital."

Ms Parore said Pharmac would consider a nationwide programme if the "innovative" trial proved successful.

The Paediatric Society has backed the campaign saying it was pleased to see the programme focused on improving access to information for Maori and Pacific children.

"Studies have shown that these groups suffer more asthma symptoms and hospital admissions than others, and thus a more proactive approach is warranted," society spokesman Philip Pattemore said.

The programme would benefit both mild and severe sufferers, he said.

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