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.

The Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) is actively preparing for its upcoming verification as a World Health Organization (WHO) classified Type 1 Mobile Emergency Medical Team.

Over 500 people participated in Moana Pasifika’s much anticipated Netball Festival on Saturday 19 October 2024, bringing together over 45 netball teams of all age and skill levels to the Auckland Netball Centre. 

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.