The biggest challenge faced by Pacific nations in maintaining consistent public health is the loss of its workforce says Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) of the Pasifika Medical Association Group, Debbie Sorensen.

The New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) releases its latest journal for their April 12th 2024 edition. This edition’s editorial piece is written by Jude Ball, Janine Nip and Janet Hoek, under the title, Legalising smokeless tobacco and/or oral nicotine products: some implications for population health, which has generated a growing interest from various media with this as a response to New Zealand (NZ) previously having had the smokefree legislation in place.

It has been over a year since the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group was formally awarded the contract to deliver the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS) program, funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Since then, the program has seen significant impact in the six Pacific countries the NZMTS supports, including Fiji, Samoa, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Kiribati and Tonga.

The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is pleased to announce Dr Lupe Taumoepeau (FRACS) as the newest Board Director of the PMA Group Board. As New Zealand’s first female vascular surgeon and the only Pacific Island female vascular surgeon in Australasia, Dr Taumoepeau comes with an extensive background in leadership and a passion in developing the Pacific health workforce. Dr Taumoepeau previously served as a Board Director on the Pasifika Medical Association Membership (PMAM) Board.

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora has announced Dr Kiki Maoate as the new Chair of Fatu Fono Ola (the National Pacific Health Senate).

This year, the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group and Moana Women’s Network saw an amazing opportunity to kick off the celebrations for International Women’s Day (IWD) with a bang, hosting the very first IWD Market Day at Fale Ma'ama. The aim was to shine a spotlight on the talented Pasifika female entrepreneurs in our community.

This edition’s editorial piece is written by Mark Elwood. Its title, Cancer outcomes in New Zealand and other countries: how are we doing?

The Pasifika Medical Association Membership (PMAM) formally announces the appointment of Dr Xaviour Walker to the PMAM Board as the newest Board Director. Dr Walker comes with a wealth of experience in the space of academia and is a Consultant Geriatrician in Internal Medicine at Te Whatu Ora Southern, Dunedin Hospital in addition to being a Senior Lecturer for the University of Otago.

Dr Maryann Heather, Board Member for Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Membership and Senior Lecturer for the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Medical and Health Science, has served in the medical field for twenty-five years, working both in primary care and as an educator. Currently the Clinical Director at Etu Pasifika South Auckland, Dr Heather is an avid champion for investing knowledge and skills into the next generation of healthcare specialists.

The New Zealand Medical Journal (NZMJ) releases its third issue for the year since announcing its open access model at the end of 2023.

Dr Cloe Posimani, a recipient of Dr Sitaleki Finau Scholarship 2023 from the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA), exemplifies her commitment to the well-being of Pacific communities through her journey in medicine and public health. She proudly represents her Niuean roots and highlights the influence of her father in her career choices.

Dr William May was the recipient of the Pasifika Medical Association's Sir Terepai Tuamure Maoate International Study Award for 2023. Hailing from the island of Vanua Levu in Fiji, Dr May's journey reflects a commitment to social accountability and equity in medical education.