Read our latest stories, updates and press releases from our membership network.
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Community, 11 Oct 24
Dr Nanise Sikiti's Journey of Dedication and Advocacy in Fiji
To close Fijian Language Week, we highlight the invaluable contributions of Dr Nanise Sikiti, a dedicated consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist based at Lautoka Hospital.

Community, 10 Oct 24
Fijian Doctor Championing Women's Health and Gynaecological Cancer
In the spirit of Fiji Language Week, we celebrate the journey of Dr Silipa Naiqiso, a Gynaecological Oncologist whose roots and heart are deeply intertwined with Fiji. Based in Auckland, New Zealand, she represents the cultural heritage of her homeland while focusing on women's health and wellbeing, particularly within her Pacific community.

News, 9 Oct 24
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.

News, 7 Oct 24
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).

Community, 4 Oct 24
"Tuvaluan language is more than communication, it's a symbol of identity," says Dr Dr Linda Laine Elia
Meet Dr Linda Laine Elia (Dr Laine) a proud daughter of Tuvalu's stunning islands of Vaitupu and Nanumaga. Growing up surrounded by the natural beauty of her homeland, she has turned her childhood dreams into a powerful mission to improve health care for the people of Tuvalu.

News, 29 Sep 24
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.

News, 26 Sep 24
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.

Community, 24 Sep 24
Dr Amanda Noovao-Hill encourages women to see screening as a form of self-empowerment
As we observe Gynaecological Awareness Month (GAM), it's crucial to spotlight the voices and efforts of those dedicated to advancing women's health. Dr Amanda Noovao-Hill stands out as a prominent figure in this field, with a rich background in obstetrics and gynaecology, and a commitment to improving sexual and reproductive health across the region.

News, 23 Sep 24
Mental health initiative in Tonga informed by the voices of local communities
As the sun begins to set on the western side of Tongatapu, villages in the Hihifo district gather people together to meet at their local community halls and churches, trickling in with their children as the early August breeze slowly settles on their shores. The purpose of their fakataha (meeting)? To have an important talanoa (discussion) about mental health and wellbeing – mo'ui lelei faka'atamai – especially as a coastal district who were directly impacted by the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcanic eruption and tsunami in 2022.

News, 19 Sep 24
PACMAT attends Singapore Emergency Medical Team inauguration
The Pasifika Medical Association Medical Assistance Team (PACMAT) was privileged to witness the Singapore Emergency Medical Team (SGEMT) achieve verification as a World Health Organization (WHO) classified Type 1 Fixed Emergency Medical Team.

18 Sep 24
Global Health Symposium Speaker Profile: Dr Kirsten Finucane
Dr Kirsten Finucane, who recently retired as Head of Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Surgery at Starship and Auckland Hospitals after a distinguished 28-year career, will be speaking at the pre-conference Global Health Symposium (GHS) during the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) 2024 conference. The symposium is held on November 25th at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in Christchurch.

15 Sep 24
Global Health Symposium to bring together medical and health professionals from across the Pacific
The Global Health Symposium is set to convene medical and health professionals from across the Pacific region, aimed at providing a platform for robust discussions and knowledge exchange on global health challenges and innovations. With a focus on regional initiatives, the Symposium will precede the annual Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) Conference as one of the pre-conference workshops, taking place on Monday 25th November, 2024, at the Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in Christchurch.