A recent visit by an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery team led by Dr Christian Freudlsperger, and Prosthetics Visiting Medical Team, led by New Zealand-based maxillofacial prosthetist Mr Mike Williams, marked a significant milestone for Fiji’s healthcare services. Supported by the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), the visit brought international expertise to Fiji’s hospitals, whilst building lasting skills among local clinicians and technicians.

Simione Vonovono Tagicakibau hails from Nukuloa, Gau, Lomaiviti with maternal links to Tarukua, Cicia, Lau. Tagicakibau carries a lot of pride in his heritage and shares with us some words in light of Fijian Language Week.

Na yacaqu o Evivi Cirikiwai, au cavutu mai na koro o Naqara, ena tikina o Ono, ena yasana vakaturaga o Kadavu. Au vakawati ki Navuloa, Bureta, Ovalau ena yasana vakaturga o Lomaiviti. E rua na luvei keirau kau veiqaravi tiko vakanasi. My language starts at home

My name is Maika Vulicakacaka, and I am the second eldest son of 4 siblings; my parents are Inoke Rabaleilekutu and Salanieta Marama Segai. My roots trace back to Laucala, Wailevu West, Cakaudrove, Vanua Levu on my father’s side, and Tiliva, Bua, Lomanikoro, Vanua Levu on my mother’s side. 

Na yacaqu o Mainewa Tupuna Ranavono. Au goneyalewa ni koro o Naviqiri, ena tikina o Navakasiga ena loma ni yasana O Bua. Na marama tinaqu e cavu tu mai na koro ko Natewa, ena tikina ko Natewa ena Yasana ko Cakaudrove. Na noqu kau na Yasi Damu, na noqu ika na tiritiri, na noqu manumanu na Dilio.

Bula vina’a. My name is Salanieta Corerega Naliva, commonly known as Sala. I am of Fijian iTaukei (indigenous) descent, with paternal roots in Kocoma village, Qamea Island, and maternal roots in Somosomo, Taveuni Island, both located in Fiji’s Northern Division, known for its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and where the international dateline crosses. I’m married to Mr. Ponipate Hawea from Nasekula village, Macuata, also in the North. We have five children—three girls and two boys aged between 11 and 17.

Na noqu vosa me na tekivu mai vale — My language starts at home. My name is Ratu Timoci Rokobosara Balenaivalu, from the Yavusa Waimaro, Koro ko Nakorosule in the Yasana of Naitasiri with maternal links to Vadrai, Nakelo in Tailevu. I come from a proud Fijian family that has always carried language and culture at the heart of our identity. For me, family is not just about blood ties but about connection — to each other, to our ancestors, and to our vanua.

Ni sa Bula Vinaka! Na yacaqu o Jaylin Driver. Au tamata mai Serua kei Vanuavou. I am the daughter of Joseph Driver and Seilala Makasale (a proud descendent of Iva, Samoa). I am one of five siblings, with me and my twin sister being the youngest.

Bula Vinaka! I am Dr Anaseini Cama, and I work as the Lead for Trachoma Elimination in the Pacific Program for The Fred Hollows Foundation (Australia). My career started with my work as an Ophthalmology Registrar in the CWM Hospital Eye Department in Suva, Fiji for 13 years before moving to public health ophthalmology where for the past 14 years I worked at regional level. From 2012 – 2015 I was the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, Pacific Sub-regional Coordinator, before moving to my current role. More recently, I also work closely with the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ as the Trainer for the Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness – a population-based survey used to measure the burden, magnitude and causes of blindness and vision impairment in countries. 

The Pasifika Physiotherapy Association (PPA) held its three-day Physiotherapy in the Pacific and Coconnect Programme, this past weekend, at the Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland South Campus.

My name is Jane Taafaki, and I am the second daughter of Falailiva and Irene Taafaki. My roots span from the beautiful islands of Nukufetau and Funafuti, Tuvalu on my father’s side, and English and Welsh heritage through my mother. Today, I live in Oamaru with my husband, Antonius, and our daughters, Sophia, Siara, and Poema. I am a Research Fellow at the Centre for Pacific Health at the University of Otago, and I also work with the Oamaru Pacific Island Trust, with my research focusing on rural health, especially for Pacific peoples.

Children across the Pacific who once faced little chance of surviving congenital and rheumatic heart disease are now receiving lifesaving surgeries and specialist care, thanks to the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative. Following two successful missions, the programme will return to Fiji this October for its third deployment, continuing to change lives and strengthen regional health services.