Held under the theme “The pathway to leadership is service – showcasing 30 years of service, innovation and excellence,” the three-day conference brings together Pacific health professionals and partners to reflect on progress, share knowledge and consider how the health sector can better serve Pacific communities into the future.
The conference opened this morning with the Global Health Symposium, bringing together partners to reflect on working collaboratively for better health outcomes. The Symposium features Pacific Community Director-General Dr Paula Vivili and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Lead Adviser Health Dr Dilhani Bandaranayake.
PMA Group CEO Debbie Sorensen ONZM reflected on the humble beginnings of PMA, acknowledging the journey over the last three decades to reach this milestone.
“Our founders recognised there was a need for us to come together and create a safe space to talk about opportunities and how we could make an impact for our families and our children.
"I acknowledge the work of those who have gone before us. I acknowledge the work that has gone into creating the PMA legacy and recognise that it's not about the organisation, but the collective."
A key focus of today's programme is child health, under the theme “Protecting Our Future”. The session features a keynote from paediatric surgeon Dr Kirsten Finucane CNZM, FRACS, alongside presentations from developmental paediatrician Dr Eta Raicebe and Vaka Mauri Collective Programme Director Dr Joseph Kado.
The programme then turns to health equity and leaving no one behind, bringing together speakers working across sexual and reproductive health, internal medicine, newborn metabolic screening, health leadership and clinical practice across the Pacific.
In the afternoon, delegates will explore health innovation through partnerships and building resilient health systems, with presentations spanning surgical care, nursing, physiotherapy and paediatric endocrinology.
The day will conclude with a panel focused on strengthening women’s health leadership for the region, chaired by Dr Maryann Heather and featuring health leaders from India, Tonga, New Zealand and the Pacific.
For PMA President, Dr Kiki Maoate ONZM FRACS, the conference is an opportunity to recognise the collective contribution of Pacific health professionals and strengthen the relationships that will shape the next 30 years.
"Our vision has always been about prosperity for all. It's fundamental to what we do – delivering health services, growing capacity, capability, systems, and improving the social economics of our people so they rise.
"The leadership within this room is actually what makes the journey over the last 30 plus years significant. Now our purpose is to support the opportunities and ideas of our young ones."
The Pasifika Medical Association was established 30 years ago to support Pacific health professionals and improve health outcomes for Pacific peoples. Today, the organisation continues to work across Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific through health workforce development, clinical services, education, research, advocacy and community-focused programmes.
The conference continues Thursday and Friday, with further sessions exploring Pacific-led research, integrated people-centred care, clinical excellence, digital health and AI, workforce development, climate resilience and the future of the Pacific health sector.
View the conference programme here.
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