The World Health Organization reports more than 288,000 lives are claimed every year from Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), with a high concentration of these cases being located in the Pacific. It's prevalence highlights the significant inequality and inequity faced in the region, with limited resources available for people who suffer from this preventable disease. Amidst these dire statistics, we are introduced to Dr. Maryanne Kora’ai, a paediatric cardiologist, who has dedicated the past two decades of her career to addressing RHD.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group proudly announces its support for Moana Pasifika, extending a warm welcome to the esteemed rugby franchise into the PMA family. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both organisations, reinforcing a shared commitment to fostering health, wellbeing, and cultural empowerment across Pacific communities.

In the Pacific, countless families grapple with the devastating reality that life-saving medical treatments are often out of reach. For one young Fijian boy, this was his lived experience. Struggling with Cushing’s Disease, a hormonal condition with devastating implications, his chances of diagnosis and treatment were challenging in the Pacific.

Pasifika Futures Limited (PFL), the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency for Pacific families, will launch its nationwide roadshow today, starting in the South Island. The primary goal of this initiative is to hear families’ voices, what is important to them and supporting their journey to prosperity.

Fetuoleaniva (Aniva) Hunkin, is on a heartfelt mission to improve Pacific health outcomes. As a recipient of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Knowledge Hub Masters Scholarship, Aniva shares with us the motivations that drive her to pursue a Master of Science, majoring in Psychology.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is excited to welcome Lisa Tai and Amanda Carrington to its executive leadership team. Lisa has been a consultant with PMA for the past three months and will now assume the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). Amanda has been appointed as the Director of Primary Care. Both bring a wealth of experience in leadership, and we are excited to have them on board. We spoke with Lisa and Amanda about their new roles at PMA and their aspirations as they take on this new journey.

In a society that often encourages men to uphold stoicism and suppress emotions, this week marks a significant stride towards dismantling these stereotypes with Men's Health Week.

A recent deployment of eye specialists, led by Chief Consultant Opthalmologist for Pacific Eye Institue Fiji, Dr Mundi Qalo, was facilitated by the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), and funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is pleased to see the government's investment into health, announced last week as part of Budget 2024. $8.15 billion is to be invested in health over the next four years, including $3.4 billion in hospital and specialty services and $2.12 billion for primary care and public health.

The Pasifika Medical Association's (PMA) 28th annual conference is set to take place in Christchurch, New Zealand, from November 26-27, 2024. This year’s theme, "Vunilagi ni Bula Sautu: Living our best lives", explores a holistic approach to health and well-being across all stages of life, envisioning a horizon where individuals live lives of good health and abundance.

Pasifika Futures Ltd (PFL), the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency for Pacific families in New Zealand, is pleased with the government's budget announcement last week, which stated an increase in the Whānau Ora allocation for the coming fiscal year. This boost signifies a commitment to the well-being and empowerment of Pacific families across the country, allowing PFL to continue expanding its impact through its services.

Dr Tiare Jones is a proud Samoan Junior Doctor currently working at Middlemore Hospital, Auckland. This year for Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa (Samoan Language Week) Dr Tiare shares her reflections as a tama’ita’i Samoa.