Pasifika Medical Association Group

01/10/2025

Talofa koutou & happy Tuvalu Language Week 🇹🇻 check out our reception area decorated by some of our Tuvalu staff 😍😍🌺

28/09/2025

The Pasifika Physiotherapy Association (PPA) held its three-day Physiotherapy in the Pacific and Coconnect Programme, this past weekend, at the Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland South Campus.

The conference brought together physiotherapists, researchers, students and regional partners to lay the foundation for dialogue and collaboration. Participants engaged in discussions on the current Global, Regional and Local policy landscape and workforce provision in the Pacific and Aotearoa for Physiotherapy profession, and also featured talanoa sessions that explored the aspirations and shared values for physiotherapy in Aotearoa and the Pacific region.

🔗 Read here: https://bit.ly/3IyFG8m

28/09/2025

Happy Tuvalu Language Week! This year's theme is "Faipati mo te mautinoa kae amanaia tou fakavae – Speak confidently and respect your foundation."

Research Fellow at the Centre for Pacific Health at the University of Otago & PMA Member, Jane Tafaaki, shared some reflections about learning Tuvaluan. Growing up outside Tuvalu, she struggled speaking the language fluently, but through immersion, support from family, and her own determination, she has reclaimed her language with pride. Today, she passes that legacy on to her daughters, reminding them that being Tuvaluan is about more than fluency. It’s about respect, participation, and connection.

🔗 Read here: https://bit.ly/48Jd5Ym

25/09/2025

Children across the Pacific who once faced little chance of surviving congenital and rheumatic heart disease are now receiving lifesaving surgeries and specialist care, thanks to the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts initiative. Following two successful missions, the programme will return to Fiji this October for its third deployment, continuing to change lives and strengthen regional health services.

🔗 Read here: https://bit.ly/4mw1X4t

New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Fiji Sai Prema Foundation Fiji Hearts4Kids

22/09/2025

So proud to see the 'Improving Wellbeing Outcomes for Pacific Families' micro-credential now in its third year. The course is a partnership between the University of Auckland and our PMA Knowledge Hub, covering a range of topics such as Pacific models of care, Pacific migration and cultural contexts, equipping learners with tools they can apply in their everyday work of serving our Pacific communities and families 💙

More than 100 professionals have completed the programme, reinforcing their health skills and cultural understanding.

22/09/2025

The latest Pacific Health Dialog is now live - “Reaffirming the significance of Pacific knowledges for Pacific health and well being.”

This edition features the editorial “E fofō le alamea i le alamea: Reaffirming the Value of Pacific Knowledges in Addressing Pacific Health Challenges in Aotearoa New Zealand” by Seuta’afili Patrick Thomsen, Sam Pilisi, and Tamasin Taylor.

It also highlights a case study on the Microcredential for Improving Wellbeing Outcomes for Pacific Families at the University of Auckland, operating out of the PMA Knowledge Hub.

The Pacific Health Dialog is an independent publication of the Pasifika Medical Association, offering Pacific clinicians and researchers a platform to share their stories with the region and the world.

🔗 Read the latest journal here: https://pacifichealthdialog.nz/index.php/phd

10/09/2025

08/09/2025

🌺“Preserve, Revitalise, and Promote our Language and Culture (Lukautim, Strongim, na Kirapim Tok Ples na Pasin blo Tubuna)” is the theme of PNG Tok Pisin Language Week 2025.

For Esther Saweri, a Registered Nurse from Papua New Guinea now living in Hamilton, Tok Pisin is more than a language, it is a connection to home, identity, and community.

She shares how living abroad reminded her of the joy of speaking Tok Pisin with her wantok sisters, and why she is determined to pass the language on to her children.

Tenkyu tru, Esther, for inspiring us to keep our languages strong. ❤️

🔗Read full story here https://shorturl.at/L5lSH

02/09/2025

Through the Ngalu Fānifo program, our team recently worked alongside the villages of Paunangisu and Emua to grow knowledge and confidence around mental health.

From training with local leaders to introducing practical resources, the program continues to strengthen village-based systems of care, helping communities provide support that combines evidence-based approaches with Pacific culture.

By investing in local leadership and culturally relevant tools, Ngalu Fānifo is helping Vanuatu communities create sustainable pathways to mental health and wellbeing.

🔗Read full story here https://shorturl.at/yxJ3o

29/08/2025

🌺 Our Ngalu Fānifo mental health team has been working alongside healthcare workers in Vanuatu through a timely workshop on managing stress during times of heightened demand.

As Vanuatu responds to cases of whooping cough, 16 participants , including frontline doctors and nurses, joined the session, with some attending in person and others connecting online.

We acknowledge the dedication of everyone involved and their ongoing commitment to caring for their communities.💙

25/08/2025

Day well spent in Emua village delivering practical mental health training, equipping community members with tools to support one another. Tankiu tumas to the local community for welcoming and opening their space to us so we could engage in this meaningful talanoa 🩵

We also acknowledge the Australian Government for their support of our Ngalu Fānifo mental health work 🙏🏾

24/08/2025

Tankiu tumas to the village of Emua for their warm welcome to our Ngalu Fānifo mental health team this morning 🙏🏾 Today we commence our mental health training & are very excited to be engaging in meaningful storian with the community!

We’d also like to acknowledge Mary Hay from the Australian High Commission, Vanuatu, who is joining us today! We’re so grateful to the Australian Government for their partnership and support of our Ngalu Fānifo mental health work in the region 🌊