Last night, the Fale Maama space was filled with pride, joy, and celebration as the latest cohort of students graduated from the microcredential course in partnership with the Pasifika Medical Association and the University of Auckland. This pioneering course, which aims to improve wellbeing outcomes for Pacific families, has made a lasting impact on the health and leadership of Pasifika communities.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group was proud to support the highly anticipated launch of the Sustainability and Resilience in Pacific Island Health Systems report last week, hosted by Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa (the Centre for Pacific and Global Health, Waipapa Taumata Rau | the University of Auckland) in partnership with the Centre for Asia Pacific Resilience & Innovation (CAPRI).

Strengthening Country Capacity is a key objective of the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), carried out by building and supporting healthcare workforce capacities through training, system development and robust protocols.

Solomon Islands Language Week is a timely and important occasion to celebrate the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the Solomon Islands, and to raise awareness about the challenges of preserving native languages in an ever-changing world. Dr Maryanne One’asi Harihiru Koraa’i, a paediatrician with a special interest in paediatric cardiology, is one such advocate for preserving her heritage.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) hosted its Voyager’s Dinner as part of the PMA Conference, for an evening of connection and celebration. The event also highlighted the contributions of individuals who have tirelessly served Pacific communities, with recognition in the presentation of PMA’s Service Awards, Life Member Awards, and the inaugural Special Recognition Award.

At the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Conference, the Primary Care is the Future panel explored the role of primary care in improving health outcomes for Pacific communities. The panel focused on patient-centered care, workforce development, and the importance of early intervention.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Conference, themed Vunilagi ni bula sautu: Living Our Best Lives, brought attention to Pacific elders during the Qase (Matua) Elderly panel. The panel explored the challenges of aging within Pacific communities and emphasised holistic approaches to health.

Delegates have been welcomed into the garden city, Christchurch, for the annual Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Conference; the Moraia Fijian Methodist Church Youth Group opened the morning with a traditional ceremony, setting the tone for the conference theme of 'Vunilagi ni bula sautu: Living Our Best Lives'. As the largest assembly of Pacific health professionals, several delegates have travelled far and wide from across the Pacific region, with the PMA Conference promising to be an opportunity to exchange knowledge, network, and share in the collective purpose of improving health outcomes for Pacific communities.

This year’s Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Conference centers on the theme Vunilagi ni bula sautu: Living Our Best Lives, addressing all stages of life. A key feature of the conference is panel sessions, including the Gone Lalai (Child Health) panel chaired by Dr. Joshua Agnew, featuring esteemed paediatricians from across the Pacific.

The I taba gone (Youth/Adolescent) panel at this year’s Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Conference, themed Vunilagi ni bula sautu: Living Our Best Lives, brought youth health and wellbeing to the forefront. Chaired by Dr. Kalo Lalahi-Jermyn, the panel followed a powerful keynote by activist Shaneel Lal, who spoke passionately about queer rights, the harm caused by conversion therapy, and the importance of fostering a future of empathy, love, and belonging.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) has welcomed a number of medical and health professionals this morning from across the Pacific region for its inaugural Global Health Symposium, which precedes the annual PMA Conference. Held at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, the Symposium is an opportunity to platform regional work and initiatives in the region, whilst also facilitating a space to network and connect over the shared purpose of serving Pacific communities in the region.

The Ngalu Fānifo Regional Project was one of the key regional initiatives highlighted at Pasifika Medical Association's (PMA) inaugural Global Health Symposium. The partnership initiative between PMA and the Australian Government seeks to build the capacity of communities and clinical providers in providing effective and contextualised mental health care and wellbeing in Vanuatu and Tonga.