PACIFIC HEADS OF HEALTH MEETING IN SAMOA: WEAVING THE HEALTH MAT FOR A HEALTHIER PACIFIC
(Photo: Government of Samoa)
The 15th Pacific Heads of Health Meeting (PHoH) kicked off in Apia, Samoa, with an inaugural address by Prime Minister Honourable Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa and Dr. Saia Ma'u Piukala, the Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organization (WHO). This historic gathering marks the first-ever health regional meeting held in Samoa, underscoring its significance in shaping the future of healthcare in the Pacific.
In her keynote speech, the honorable Prime Minister Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa emphasized the pivotal role of health leaders in guiding governmental decisions towards promoting the well-being of Pacific communities. She highlighted the importance of collective efforts in strengthening health systems to foster healthier nations across the region.
Dr. Saia Ma'u Piukala, drawing upon the metaphor of weaving a mat, underscored the collaborative nature of addressing health challenges. Just as individuals contribute diverse strands to create a sturdy and functional mat, collective action is essential for addressing health issues effectively. He emphasized the need for concerted efforts in areas such as health systems strengthening, climate change adaptation, and pandemic preparedness.
Over the course of three days, the meeting delved into key health priorities including health information and digital health, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), human resources in health, climate change and health, universal health coverage, primary health care, maternal and reproductive health, biomedical engineering, international health regulations, pandemic preparedness, healthcare financing, HIV, and waste management.
With representatives from 13 Pacific Island Countries in attendance, the discussions encompassed a wide range of regional health challenges and opportunities. The recommendations generated during the PHoH meeting are poised to inform the agenda of the upcoming Pacific Health Ministers Meeting in 2025, which will be hosted by Samoa.
The Samoa Ministry of Health hosted the PHoH meeting, with support from the Pacific Community (SPC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), with funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). The collaborative efforts of these organizations underscore the commitment to advancing healthcare in the Pacific region.
Prime Minister Mataʻafa expressed gratitude to the WHO and SPC for their support in organizing the meeting and congratulated Dr. Saia Ma'u Piukala on his historic appointment as the first Pacific Islander to serve as the Regional Director for the WHO Western Pacific Region.
In conclusion, the Pacific Heads of Health Meeting in Samoa served as a platform for health leaders to exchange ideas, share best practices, and chart a course towards healthier Pacific nations. Through collective action and collaboration, the participants affirmed their commitment to weaving a resilient health mat for the region, ensuring the well-being of Pacific communities for generations to come.