The Pasifika Medical Association’s (PMA) Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Pacific communities in crisis, deploying to Vanuatu following the devastating earthquake that struck Port Vila. The earthquake severely disrupted critical infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, water supplies, and power systems.

The Pasifika Medical Association’s Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) have been in Vanuatu for 18 days in response to the devastating earthquake that struck Port Vila on 17 December 2024. The team has provided comprehensive medical and psychosocial support to affected communities.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) have been in Vanuatu for 11 days as part of their deployment, responding to the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Vanuatu, providing essential medical and mental health support to affected communities. The mission is supported by the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and remains ongoing, with significant progress made so far.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is proud to announce that our Chief Executive, Debbie Sorensen, has been acknowledged in the prestigious New Year’s Honours List. A proud mother, grandmother, wife, and daughter of Tonga, Debbie has been appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for her services to Pacific health.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) has been deployed to Vanuatu in response to the devastating 7.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Port Vila on 17 December 2024. Supported by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the mission will see the team provide mental health and psychosocial support to local communities affected by the natural disaster, led by the Vanuatu Ministry of Health.

The Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG) and New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) have formalised their partnership with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership reflects both organisations' commitment to enhancing the well-being and opportunities of Pacific families through sport.

A New Zealand cancer survivor used the traditional Cook Islands headwear, ei katu, to conceal her illness from her elderly mother for 18 months, highlighting the emotional toll of cancer and the importance of support systems.

Last night, the Fale Maama space was filled with pride, joy, and celebration as the latest cohort of students graduated from the microcredential course in partnership with the Pasifika Medical Association and the University of Auckland. This pioneering course, which aims to improve wellbeing outcomes for Pacific families, has made a lasting impact on the health and leadership of Pasifika communities.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group was proud to support the highly anticipated launch of the Sustainability and Resilience in Pacific Island Health Systems report last week, hosted by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa (the Centre for Pacific and Global Health, Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland) in partnership with the Centre for Asia Pacific Resilience & Innovation (CAPRI).

Strengthening Country Capacity is a key objective of the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), carried out by building and supporting healthcare workforce capacities through training, system development and robust protocols.

Solomon Islands Language Week is a timely and important occasion to celebrate the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the Solomon Islands, and to raise awareness about the challenges of preserving native languages in an ever-changing world. Dr Maryanne One’asi Harihiru Koraa’i, a paediatrician with a special interest in paediatric cardiology, is one such advocate for preserving her heritage.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) hosted its Voyager’s Dinner as part of the PMA Conference, for an evening of connection and celebration. The event also highlighted the contributions of individuals who have tirelessly served Pacific communities, with recognition in the presentation of PMA’s Service Awards, Life Member Awards, and the inaugural Special Recognition Award.