It was a poignant time of celebration and reflection when I attended the Tonga Medical Association Conference celebrating their 80th Anniversary in July. It was an excellent presentation of history, progress, success and forward thinking approach to the future.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Toakase Fakakovikaetau, a pioneering paediatric specialist who dedicated her life to serving Tonga and the Pacific region. Dr Fakakovikaetau's efforts to ensure the best health outcomes for children and their families, especially in the area of rheumatic heart disease and paediatric oncology, will be remembered as part of her legacy of service.

An article from the New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) suggests that in the decade that followed the year 2011, smoking cessation methods were delivered in a ‘business as usual’ approach which only benefited some sectors of society that did not include Māori.

In 2018, Dr Peter Benny and his family tragically lost their family member, Kain Parsons, after he was knocked out at a charity boxing event. A viewpoint article that was released in the latest edition of the New Zealand Medical Journal’s (NZMJ) discusses the ethics and consequences that surround charity boxing events.

Dr. Veisinia Matoto holds the roles of Clinical Director and Country Liaison for Tonga at the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), in addition to serving as the President of the Tonga Medical Association (TMA). To commemorate the 80th Conference anniversary of TMA, she takes the opportunity to share her reflections on her medical journey and the significance of TMA.

Efforts made in to mitigating the undeniable rise of youth vaping is assessed by Bridget Rose (Te Whatu Ora: Northland District Health Board), Martin Witt (Cancer Society of New Zealand) and Professor Janet Hoek (University of Otago) in the latest issue of the New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ). 

The Pacific Eye Care Society (PacEYES) recently hosted its biennial Pacific Eye Health Conference with the theme 'Eye care for all' in Suva, Fiji. Clinicians from 13 Oceania countries gathered to discuss key issues in the eye health sector and expand their clinical expertise to enhance accessible and quality eye care across the region.

The International Council of Nurses (ICN), a federation comprising more than 130 nurses associations from across the globe and representing more than 28 million nurses worldwide, held it’s 29th ICN Congress, from the 1st to the 5th of July in Montreal, Canada.

Hele Christopher-Ikimotu is the Communications Manager for PMA Group and is also the Chair of the Banaban Cultural Community of Auckland Youth in Auckland. He shares a reflection piece in light of Kiribati Language Week.

The PMA Knowledge Hub Summer Research Scholarship is being launched through a collaboration between the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) and the University of Auckland. This scholarship aims to support Pacific students in conducting summer research projects that seek to improve the health and social wellbeing outcomes of Pacific peoples.

The New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and delivered by the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group, continues to support specialist treatment capacity building through training and development of systems and protocols with partnering Pacific countries.

The Tonga Medical Association (TMA), the oldest non-governmental organization (NGO) in Tonga, will be celebrating its 80th Anniversary and upcoming annual conference this week. This momentous occasion celebrates the rich history, notable achievements, and ongoing commitment of TMA to the medical profession and the people of Tonga.