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.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) launched its inaugural Global Health Symposium today, offering a platform for dialogue on health initiatives and issues critical to the Pacific region. Held in the lead up to PMA Conference, the event brought together healthcare professionals, community leaders, and health and medical students all committed to advancing health outcomes for the Pacific region.

Debbie Sorensen, Chief Executive Officer of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group, extends her support and solidarity to the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation (CIBCF) as the guest speaker at the Ribbons of Hope: Early Detection Ball, taking place on Saturday, 30 November, at the Ngatangiia Rugby Grounds in Rarotonga.

The Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) continues to solidify its presence on the international stage for disaster and emergency response, as seen at the 6th World Health Organization Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Global Meeting in Abu Dhabi.

This week, Aotearoa New Zealand is celebrating Papua New Guinea (PNG) Pidgin Language Week, a milestone for the PNG community with this being the first time that it is part of the official calendar of the language weeks. We spoke to Esther Paraka, a Financial Administrator under the Pasifika Medical Association Group (PMAG), who was born and raised in PNG, about her pride and joy in celebrating her roots.

Meet Dr Whitney Ato Ruape, hailing from the beautiful island of Papua New Guinea. She is currently a Paediatric Registrar training in Goroka Provincial Hospital, located in the Eastern Highlands Province.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is proud to announce the appointment of its Chief Executive Officer, Debbie Sorensen, to the newly established Social Investment Board. This esteemed board has been formed to provide expert advice on implementing a social investment approach across the public sector and guiding the work of the Social Investment Agency.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is thrilled to announce the 2024 recipients of the PMA Pacific Health Education Scholarships, aimed at supporting the next generation of Pacific health professionals with tuition and study-related costs.

The launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences, which took place during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, represents a pivotal moment for the Pacific region. Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa, who gave remarks at the opening event, emphasised the significance of its establishment. “The launch of the Pacific Academy of Sciences marks an important milestone in establishing a regional collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge for a prosperous and thriving Pacific Islands region.”

Helen Saio is a nine year old girl, who loves to play soccer with her friends and cousins in her home near Apia, Samoa. Speaking to her, it's hard to imagine that at such a young age, she had already battled a life-threatening heart condition. We spoke to her mother, Salaevalu, about what life was like with Helen’s heart disease.