Dr. Kirsten Finucane opened with a keynote reflecting on her career as she approaches retirement. She highlighted the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative, delivered under the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), emphasising the importance of empowering Pacific leadership to serve their communities effectively. 

The panel all shared similar sentiments, noting the challenges and the need for collaboration to improve child health outcomes across the region. Panellists Dr. Farah Fatupaito (Samoa), Dr. Flora Lutui (Tonga), and Dr. Annette Garae (Vanuatu), identified rheumatic heart disease as a pressing issue. They called for increased community screening, awareness of strep throat, and timely access to healthcare. Dr. Garae expressed gratitude for the NZMTS which supports children with heart conditions. 

Dr. Jimaima Kailawadoko (Fiji) spoke on the need for healthcare providers with passion and a child-centered approach, emphasising that mentorship and relationship-building are crucial to improving outcomes. Dr. Lutui also raised concerns about parents opting for traditional healing over life-saving surgeries and advocated for stronger child protection policies in Tonga to ensure children’s rights to medical care. 

The PMA Conference is taking place Tuesday 26 November – Wednesday 27 November at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre. You can find the full programme here.  

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