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.”

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.

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.

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.

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) 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).

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group is proud to report the successful conclusion of the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative, which provided life-saving cardiac surgeries to fifteen children from five Pacific countries; Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Kiribati, and Tuvalu.

Under the theme "Community is what we create together," members of the Etu Pasifika clinics and the Pasifika Medical Association Group gathered for a meaningful talanoa on mental health over a shared breakfast early this morning. Led by psychiatrist and Etu Pasifika Ngalu Fānifo lead, Dr Staverton Kautoke, members shared profound personal experiences and insights, shedding light on a topic often shrouded in silence, in commemoration of Mental Health Awareness Week.

As the sun begins to set on the western side of Tongatapu, villages in the Hihifo district gather people together to meet at their local community halls and churches, trickling in with their children as the early August breeze slowly settles on their shores. The purpose of their fakataha (meeting)? To have an important talanoa (discussion) about mental health and wellbeing – mo'ui lelei faka'atamai – especially as a coastal district who were directly impacted by the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunami in 2022.

The Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) was privileged to witness the Singapore Emergency Medical Team (SGEMT) achieve verification as a World Health Organization (WHO) classified Type 1 Fixed Emergency Medical Team. 

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group remains deeply committed to empowering the health aspirations of our regional partners. This commitment was seen with the recent deployment of an adult cardiology visiting medical team to Samoa.