New Zealand recently celebrated Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), and today observes International Day for Older Persons (IDFOP). The most recent New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) publication published an article Dying with Dementia by Sandy Macleod, acknowledging the increase of dementia within the ageing population.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is proud to report the successful conclusion of the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative, which provided life-saving cardiac surgeries to fifteen children from five Pacific countries; Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tuvalu.

Under the theme "Community is what we create together," members of the Etu Pasifika clinics and the Pasifika Medical Association Group gathered for a meaningful talanoa on mental health over a shared breakfast early this morning. Led by psychiatrist and Etu Pasifika Ngalu Fānifo lead, Dr Staverton Kautoke, members shared profound personal experiences and insights, shedding light on a topic often shrouded in silence, in commemoration of Mental Health Awareness Week.

As we observe Gynaecological Awareness Month (GAM), it's crucial to spotlight the voices and efforts of those dedicated to advancing women's health. Dr Amanda Noovao-Hill stands out as a prominent figure in this field, with a rich background in obstetrics and gynaecology, and a commitment to improving sexual and reproductive health across the region.

As the sun begins to set on the western side of Tongatapu, villages in the Hihifo district gather people together to meet at their local community halls and churches, trickling in with their children as the early August breeze slowly settles on their shores. The purpose of their fakataha (meeting)? To have an important talanoa (discussion) about mental health and wellbeing – mo'ui lelei faka'atamai – especially as a coastal district who were directly impacted by the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunami in 2022.

The Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) was privileged to witness the Singapore Emergency Medical Team (SGEMT) achieve verification as a World Health Organization (WHO) classified Type 1 Fixed Emergency Medical Team. 

Dr Kirsten Finucane, who recently retired as Head of Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery at Starship and Auckland Hospitals after a distinguished 28-year career, will be speaking at the pre-conference Global Health Symposium (GHS) during the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) 2024 conference. The symposium is held on November 25th at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in Christchurch.

The Global Health Symposium is set to convene medical and health professionals from across the Pacific region, aimed at providing a platform for robust discussions and knowledge exchange on global health challenges and innovations. With a focus on regional initiatives, the Symposium will precede the annual Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Conference as one of the pre-conference workshops, taking place on Monday 25th November, 2024, at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in Christchurch.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group remains deeply committed to empowering the health aspirations of our regional partners. This commitment was seen with the recent deployment of an adult cardiology visiting medical team to Samoa.

The Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) have recently returned from their mission in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga, where they supported the local health workforce for the 53rd annual Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) leaders' meeting, held on August 26th - 30th 2024.

Rasela-Joy Gibson is committed to inspiring more Pacific students to pursue careers in health and to explore the diverse opportunities within physiotherapy. Hailing from Gataivai, Savaii, and Salua, Manono in Samoa, as well as Ashburton, New Zealand, she currently leads the Allied Health Inpatient Team at Kenepuru Community Hospital, Capital & Coast, and Hutt Valley.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group reflects on the stories of families from the Pacific who traveled to Suva through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme’s (NZMTS) innovative project, the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and coordinated by the PMA.