Read our latest stories, updates and press releases from our membership network.
Upcoming Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation Ball to promote early detection
Debbie Sorensen, Chief Executive Officer of the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Group, extends her support and solidarity to the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation (CIBCF) as the guest speaker at the Ribbons of Hope: Early Detection Ball, taking place on Saturday, 30 November, at the Ngatangiia Rugby Grounds in Rarotonga.
PACMAT attends WHO Global EMT meeting in Abu Dhabi
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.
2024 PMA Scholarships celebrate next generation of Pacific health professionals
The Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) is thrilled to announce the 2024 recipients of the PMA Pacific Health Education Scholarships, aimed at supporting the next generation of Pacific health professionals with tuition and study-related costs.
New Pacific Academy of Sciences Launched at CHOGM, Strengthening Regional Scientific Leadership
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.”
PACMAT Strives for WHO Verification as Type 1 Mobile Emergency Medical Team: Enhancing Readiness for Rapid Response Across the Pacific
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.
PACMAT to support Niue's 50th Constitution Day celebrations amid surge in visitors
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.
NZMTS: Pacific Emergency Maternal and Neonatal Training seeks to empower Pacific health workforce
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.
NZMTS: A specialists commitment to strengthening Vanuatu's health system
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.
World Mental Health Day: A shared determination to improve mental health services 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.
NZMTS: Building Health, Saving Lives: Dr Burling's fight for women's health in the Pacific
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).
Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts: A regional solution to a regional problem
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.
Etu Pasifika and PMA staff share important talanoa on mental health
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.