PACMAT attends WHO Global EMT meeting in Abu Dhabi
Updates / News, 17 Nov 24
The Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) continues to solidify its presence on the international stage for disaster and emergency response, as seen at the 6th World Health Organization Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) Global Meeting in Abu Dhabi.

The global event brought together representatives from over 140 countries to share insights and engage in meaningful discussions on the needs and opportunities in this critical field. EMTs discussed relevant topics, shared innovative developments, and explored various strategic pillars and collaborative approaches moving forward.  

Her Excellency Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH), emphasised the importance of unity through events such as this, as capacities for emergency response and resilience continue to grow worldwide.  

“The event has catalysed a dynamic exchange of ideas and best practices that will significantly enhance global preparedness and resilience against future health crises.”   

“The department looks forward to building on the momentum generated by this event, as we continue to work alongside WHO and our partners across the ecosystem to enhance our emergency medical response capabilities, set new standards for healthcare excellence, and cultivate agile and effective ecosystems worldwide."   

PACMAT Clinical Director, Dr. Kalo Lalahi-Jermyn, was one of the two delegates, along with Craig Sionetuato, Regional Services Director for the Pasifika Medical Association Group, representing PACMAT.  

Dr Lalahi-Jermyn reflects on the value of participating in this initiative.  

“PACMAT is committed not only to improving ourselves and the communities we serve but also to strengthening our expertise and mechanisms so that our Pacific partners can benefit. Our objective is to build our capacity through WHO verification and active engagement, positioning us to better support capacity building across the Pacific region. 

"Attending the EMT conference provided valuable insight into the WHO EMT development process and the opportunity to further refine our goals.  We also had the opportunity to network with and learn from our peers and Global partners. During the conference we had the opportunity to facilitate and contribute to the conversations focused on future direction and development in the WPRO region and the EMT initiative.”  

 The proceedings of the meeting also saw PACMAT’s nomination and appointment as the Non-Governmental Organizational representative on the WHO Western Pacific Regional Chair Group, replacing Mercy Malaysia.  

PMA Chief Executive, Debbie Sorensen, looks forward to working collaboratively with representatives across the region.  

"We are humbled to be appointed as the NGO representative for this Group and welcome this opportunity to continue serving the Pacific region alongside our colleagues." 

Mr. Sionetuato reflects on this recognition.  

“It is wonderful to be able to occupy spaces such as this. We look forward to the upcoming work that this opportunity provides, and we will focus on leveraging this role to benefit as many of our communities and countries as possible.”