Matie Stanley, a mother from Tuvalu, once feared she would never see her son Elijah celebrate his second birthday. Diagnosed with a congenital heart condition, one-year-old Elijah faced an uncertain future. But through the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative, launched in July under the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), Elijah received life-saving cardiac surgery, giving him a renewed chance at life. Now, Matie looks forward to his upcoming birthday with immense gratitude and hope.

As Niue prepares to celebrate the remarkable milestone of fifty years of self-government (Pule Fakamotu), the Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) is ready to support the island nation, following a formal request from the Niue Ministry of Health.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the importance of global health initiatives becomes ever more apparent. Among the distinguished speakers at the upcoming Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Pre-Conference Global Health Symposium is Dr Siobhan Cross, a prominent pediatric hematologist whose work extends to addressing the unique healthcare challenges faced by Pacific communities.

Despite global advancements in healthcare, maternal mortality and neonatal deaths remain significant concerns in many Pacific countries. The region faces unique challenges in accessing healthcare infrastructure, particularly in remote areas, resulting in maternal and newborn fatalities, which are often preventable.

Meet Dr Tarucilla Tatui, Pasifika Medical Association Member and General Practitioner at Etu Pasifika South Auckland. Born and raised in Niue, hailing from the beautiful village of Fineone, Hakupu Atua, located om the southeastern side of Niue. This year for Niue Language Week, Dr Tatui shares her passion for her culture and her efforts promoting Vagahau Niue – Niuean Language.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) takes pride in supporting initiatives that foster genuine partnership and collaboration aimed at enhancing health outcomes across the Pacific. Through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), the PMA highlights the dedicated efforts of New Zealand-based gastroenterologist, Dr Adrian Claydon, and the strong, collaborative relationship he has established with the health sector in Vanuatu.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is proud to welcome Tongan surgeon, Dr Alamea Aholelei, as one of the esteemed speakers at the pre-conference Global Health Symposium (GHS) during the PMA 2024 conference.

For Fijian Language Week, we had the privilege of connecting with an incredible staff member of Pasifika Medical Association Group, Malcolm Andrews. This year Malcolm shares his perspective of this year theme, ‘ Vakamareqeta na Vosa Vakaviti - Nurture and Sustain the Fijian Language.’

To close Fijian Language Week, we highlight the invaluable contributions of Dr Nanise Sikiti, a dedicated consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist based at Lautoka Hospital.

In the spirit of Fiji Language Week, we celebrate the journey of Dr Silipa Naiqiso, a Gynaecological Oncologist whose roots and heart are deeply intertwined with Fiji. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, she represents the cultural heritage of her homeland while focusing on women's health and wellbeing, particularly within her Pacific community.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is committed to advancing impactful solutions through the Ngalu Fānifo Regional Project—a transformative, three-year initiative focused on enhancing mental health services and uplifting communities in Tonga and Vanuatu, in partnership with the Australian Government. This innovative program is set to grow the capacity of clinicians, and health and community providers, supporting them to deliver effective, culturally-anchored mental health care that will make a lasting difference in the lives of their people.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group remains deeply committed to advancing women's health in Tonga through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS). In collaboration with the Pacific Alliance of Gynaecology Oncology (PAGO), a dedicated team led by Tongan-descended Gynaecology Oncologist Dr. Michael Burling, and joined by esteemed specialists Dr. Ken Jaaback and Dr. Emma Allanson, focused their efforts on cancer treatment, life-saving surgeries, and training local medical teams to enhance women’s health services. The team was funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).