In a historic and much anticipated milestone, Vanuatu recently celebrated its first ever pacemaker insertion operations, marking a significant achievement for the Pacific country. This monumental achievement was made possible by the dedicated efforts of a specialist cardiology team deployed through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS).

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is delighted to announce the successful completion of surgeries for the young patients involved in the Uto Bulabula - Healthy Hearts initiative. Fifteen children, some as young as seven months, from Samoa, Vanuatu, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and Fiji have undergone cardiac surgeries without any complications.

Vave Hifo is a Health Coach at Etu Pasifika Auckland, dedicated to guiding patients on their path to better health. Vave's own journey is one of transformation, having endured a life marked by hardship and grief. As we celebrate ten years of Whānau Ora, Vave opens up about his journey of triumph and the invaluable support he received from the Whānau Ora service. Malo ‘Aupito to Vave for sharing his powerful story with us, one that we hope will deeply inspire you.

For Vanessa Tari, a dedicated mother from Ambae, Vanuatu, the path of sacrifice led her and her seven-year-old son, Junior, to Suva, Fiji, in pursuit of life-saving heart surgery. Junior was the first of 13 children who arrived in Suva to receive cardiac surgery; he has now been discharged with a new lease on life. For Ms Tari, leaving everything behind was an easy choice because it meant saving her son's life. We spoke to her about what this opportunity meant for her and her family.

Day two of the Pasifika Futures (PFL) Whānau Ora Conference has kicked off, with Minister of Whānau Ora, Hon. Tama Potaka, delivering the first keynote speech of the day. He began his address by emphasising the importance of spiritual health and wellbeing, particularly acknowledging the cultural practice of starting with karakia (prayer) and PFL Board Director, Sir Michael Jones’ decision not to play rugby on Sundays.

Living Our Best Lives | Our PMA team is continuing to support the families involved in the Uto Bulabula initiative as the first patients get ready to undergo transformative surgeries.

The annual Pasifika Futures Limited (PFL) Whānau Ora Conference commenced this morning with a sense of purpose and unity, bringing together PFL partners, families and organisations from across the country. Celebrating ten years of the programme, PFL Chair, Dr. Kiki Maoate ONZM FRACS, opened the ceremony with heartfelt remarks, reflecting on the profound significance of this momentous gathering.

Living Our Best Lives | Under the transformative Uto Bulabula initiative, young patients have undergone pre-operative clinical assessments to ensure they are ready for their life-saving cardiac surgeries. 

Living Our Best Lives | As the young patients of the Uto Bulabula initiative approach their cardiac surgeries, the PMA team has been working hard to ensure they are well-cared for and in the best possible condition for their upcoming procedures.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is proud to announce its partnership with Pacific Media Network (PMN), sponsoring their 2024 Paris Olympics coverage as they follow Pacific athletes competing at the games.

Living Our Best Lives | The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) team touched down in Suva on Saturday, the 13th of July in preparation for the commencement of the Uto Bulabula Project, through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS).  

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Knowledge Hub Microcredential Recognition Ceremony, held on July 17th, celebrated the accomplishments of the Semester 1, 2024 cohort who successfully completed the 'Improving Wellbeing Outcomes for Pacific Families' course developed in partnership with the University of Auckland.