In this bulletin:
1. COOKS — Cook Islands declares equal standing in New Zealand security pact: PM Brown
2. FIJI — Fiji PM proposes 20 percent pay cut for MPs, Ministers amid fuel uncertainty
3 FIJI — $5m emergency fund activated as TC Vaianu recovery begins: Fiji PM
4. PNG —PNG Defence minister Joseph steps aside, allows investigation into PNGDF recruitment
5. NZ — Tropical Cyclone Vaianu may bring life-threatening winds to New Zealand, forecasters warn
6. UN— Global leaders convene for ‘One Health’ Summit
7. PACNEWS BIZ — Pacific families hit hardest as fuel surge drives up cost of living
8. PACNEWS BIZ — Fiji Government unveils relief package to subsidise fuel
9. PACNEWS BIZ — Fuel price hike, PNG Government prepared for crisis, says Marape
10. PACNEWS DIGEST — Pacific bluefin tuna MP adoption back on track!
11. PACNEWS DIGEST — Stand together for science and health in the Pacific
COOKS – DIPLOMACY: PACNEWS PACNEWS 1: Thu 09 Apr 2026
Cook Islands declares equal standing in New Zealand security pact: PM Brown
RAROTONGA, 09 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Cook Islands has taken an important step on the world stage, with Prime Minister Mark Brown framing a new defence agreement as both a continuation of history and a clear signal of independence.
In a statement, Brown highlighted the significance of a newly signed Declaration on Defence and Security with New Zealand, calling it “a key moment in the journey of our nation.”
Brown stressed that the agreement does not redefine the Cook Islands’ status but confirms it.
“Last week we signed a Declaration on Defence and Security with New Zealand. A key moment in the journey of our nation.
This Declaration affirms what has always been true. The Cook Islands governs its own affairs. We conduct our international relations in our own right. And our partnership with New Zealand is a relationship between equals who have chosen each other.”
PM Brown linked the current moment to the country’s military legacy, highlighting generations who served overseas.
“We honour the generations of Cook Islands men and women who served and wore the uniform. From the 500 in World War I, through to those serving today in the armed forces of New Zealand and Australia. This moment is also theirs.”
Brown also delivered a direct message to citizens, especially younger generations, anchoring the agreement in identity and ambition.
“To tatou iti tangata, this moment is yours. You deserve a country that stands in the world on its own terms. We are the descendants of the greatest navigators in human history.
We know how to find our way. We know how to voyage in partnership. And we know how to arrive,” he said.
The Cook Islands is asserting its place on its own terms, alongside partners of its choosing…. PACNEWS
FIJI – PAY CUTS: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 1: Thu 09 Apr 2026
Fiji PM proposes 20% pay cut for MPs, Ministers amid fuel uncertainty
SUVA, 09 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN) — Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has proposed a 20 percent pay cut for Ministers, Assistant Ministers and MPs, saying leaders must share the burden as Fiji prepares for possible economic pressure from global fuel instability.
The pay reduction, which is subject to Parliamentary approval, was revealed Wednesday during the Prime Minister’s national address outlining the Government’s response to emerging fuel security risks triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
In the same address, Rabuka confirmed that ‘all overseas travel for Ministers and Assistant Ministers has been stopped with immediate effect’, describing the measures as necessary to demonstrate leadership and fiscal discipline during uncertain times.
But Rabuka said that he approved the travel of two ministers who are going to negotiate directly with Fiji’s overseas partners on how they can assist Fiji with the crisis caused by the Middle East war.
“Minister for Foreign Affairs is going to the Far East looking for further support in our fuel supply and fuel storage. And the Minister for Welfare and a member of the IPU is going to Turkey. I told her to be careful, that’s very close to the flashpoint. But she needs to be there because they spend a lot of time talking about humanitarian assistance in times of trouble. And this is the time to be sharing.”
Rabuka stated that all overtime payments for civil servants are suspended, with time in lieu applied instead.
The Prime Minister has also stated that all new civil service positions are on hold.
Rabuka said that all job evaluations are suspended and all overseas travel is stopped for permanent secretaries and civil servants.
The Prime Minister said Fiji remains in Phase One of the National Fuel Emergency Action Plan – Preparedness and Responsible Use, stressing that while the situation is serious, it is currently under control.
“I want to reassure the nation: fuel is still available. There is no immediate shortage,” he said, adding that developments overseas require Fiji to stay alert and act responsibly.
Rabuka said Fiji currently has more than 50 per cent of its national fuel supply, with secured shipments expected to last until the end of May.
However, he warned that supply beyond that period could become uncertain should global shipping routes remain disrupted…. PACNEWS
FIJI – CYCLONE RESPONSE: FIJI SUN PACNEWS 1: Thu 09 Apr 2026
$5m emergency fund activated as TC Vaianu recovery begins: Fiji PM
SUVA, 09 APRIL 2026 (FIJI SUN) — The Government has released $5 million (US$2.5 million) from the National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDMO) Contingency Fund to support immediate relief efforts post Tropical Cyclone Vaianu.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, in an address to the nation Wednesday, said the funding would be used to support urgent response measures while full damage assessments are conducted over the next 48 hours.
He said further assistance would be determined once assessments are completed and reports consolidated.
The Prime Minister confirmed that 46 evacuation centres have been activated nationwide, as severe flooding continues to affect Nadi, Lautoka and parts of the Central Division.
Schools and non‑essential civil servants have been advised to remain at home, although he noted with relief that no fatalities have been reported.
Rabuka said Government had moved quickly to respond to the developing situation, with enforcement and public safety measures supported by the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
“Initial damage assessments have already commenced. Teams are deployed on the ground to assess impacts and coordinate response efforts,” he said, adding that work is also underway to restore essential services, including utilities disrupted by the cyclone.
As TC Vaianu moves away from Fiji waters tonight, attention is now shifting to recovery and rehabilitation.
Rabuka said sectoral rehabilitation will begin immediately, with the Ministry of Agriculture leading initial assessments in affected farming areas, as concerns grow over potential impacts on livelihoods and food supply.
He said damage assessments are ongoing and more detailed information will be made available once reports from affected areas are consolidated.
Schools will remain closed today in the Central, Western and Eastern Divisions, while Northern Division schools will resume classes.
Public health teams have also been placed on alert to manage the risk of waterborne diseases following flooding.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the support of humanitarian and donor partners, who remain on standby to assist if needed.
He clarified that while schools have been closed for safety reasons, University of the South Pacific operations remain open, and examinations will proceed as scheduled…. PACNEWS
PNG – DEFENCE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS 1: Thu 09 Apr 2026
PNG Defence minister Joseph steps aside, allows investigation into PNGDF recruitment
PORT MORESBY, 09 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — Papua New Guinea Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph has stepped aside from his portfolio to allow investigations into allegations he interfered with the recent Papua New Guinea Defence Force recruitment.
Prime Minister James Marape would take charge of the defence ministry as the government set up a team to investigate problems in the defence force.
Joseph said allegations of political interference whether through influencing recruitment or using defence personnel for personal purposes was dangerous and undermined the integrity of the defence force.
“It is critically important that I am cleared of the allegations to continue the high level of work we have started in collaboration with our defence partners, and significant outcomes including the recently signed Pukpuk Treaty with Australia is not affected,” he said.
“My decision to step aside also allows the prime minister to look into the allegations and consider remedial actions to be taken if necessary to maintain continuity of the high level of work that we have started at the PNGDF.”
Marape said an Australian defence adviser would be brought in to help with the review and reforms in the PNGDF.
“This team will include senior government officials, including the Chief Secretary and State Solicitor,” Marape said.
Earlier, PNG Opposition called for the immediate sacking of Defence Minister Dr Billy Joseph and a full independent investigation into alleged irregularities in recruitment within the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.
Deputy Opposition leader Keith Iduhu said Prime Minister James Marape should act without delay, warning that public trust in the defence force was eroding.
He said allegations of political interference in PNGDF recruitment by Joseph had been raised in Parliament earlier this year but were not properly addressed.
“This is a scandal of serious concern. The defence minister must be sacked immediately, and a full investigation must be conducted into this recruitment process,” Iduhu said.
Opposition leader James Nomane supported the call, saying the defence force should remain independent and free from interference.
“With the serious scandal unfolding and circulating on social media, it raises serious questions,” he said.
“There must be an independent inquiry forthwith to confirm or deny whether there has been impropriety in the recruitment process.”
Nomane said any officials implicated should be immediately suspended pending investigation.
Former prime minister Peter O’Neill supported Iduhu’s call saying the situation damaged the reputation and morale of the PNGDF.
“It is quite evident that there has been compromised in the recruitment process,” O’Neill said.
“We must not allow the defence force to be tribalised or regionalised.”
O’Neill called on the defence minister to resign, warning that continued inaction would further erode public confidence in government leadership…. PACNEWS
NZ – WEATHER WATCH: THE GUARDIAN PACNEWS 1: Thu 09 Apr 2026
Tropical Cyclone Vaianu may bring life-threatening winds to New Zealand, forecasters warn
AUCKLAND, 09 APRIL 2026 (THE GUARDIAN) — Tropical Cyclone Vaianu forming in the Pacific could bring life-threatening winds and heavy rain to New Zealand later this week, forecasters have said, with strong wind watches issued for the entire North Island.
The category 3 cyclone is moving south of Fiji towards New Zealand, with winds around the centre in excess of 150km/h, MetService said on Wednesday.
While uncertainty remains over the cyclone’s track, MetService said it was increasingly likely it would reach New Zealand on Sunday, bringing with it “damaging, potentially life-threatening winds”, heavy rains and hazardous coastal conditions.
While the heaviest rain is expected across the north and east of the North Island, the storm could affect large parts of New Zealand, MetService said.
The prime minister, Christopher Luxon, said on Wednesday the cyclone was shaping up to be a “very significant and damaging weather event” and agencies were “on full notice”.
He added: “It’s a great opportunity to remind New Zealanders to do everything they can – stock up, get their supplies in order, get items that may be loose in their back yards tied down and in secure storage.”
Meteorologist John Law said: “We have several days until we see the impacts of Vaianu on New Zealand, so this is an early severe weather watch, a heads-up for significant weather this weekend.”
Severe weather watches are normally issued one to three days before a weather event and the longer lead time of these watches is an indication of the potential severity of the event, Law said.
As the forecast becomes clearer, the watch could be upgraded to a severe weather warning.
A second severe tropical cyclone named Maila was upgraded to a category 5 system on Wednesday, with winds near the centre of 215km/h and wind gusts up to 295km/h.
The cyclone was located in the Solomon Sea and is moving towards the far north Queensland coast. It would not affect New Zealand, MetService said.
New Zealand has faced several severe storms this year. In January, a series of tropical storms swept through the North Island, bringing torrential rain and causing two fatal landslides. In February, storms caused flooding, landslides and power outages across the country.
In 2023, tropical Cyclone Gabrielle was the worst storm to hit New Zealand this century, killing 11 people, causing a global record of about 850,000 landslides and becoming the most expensive weather-related event in the country’s history…. PACNEWS
UN – HEALTH: UN NEWS CENTRE PACNEWS 1: Thu 09 Apr 2026
Global leaders convene for ‘One Health’ Summit
LYON, 09 APRIL 2026 (UN NEWS CENTRE) — A high-level global summit kicked off this week, bringing together heads of State, scientists, and environmental experts under the banner of “One Health” – an integrated UN-backed strategy that recognises the link between the health of people, animals, and our overall environment.
Some 60 percent of emerging infectious diseases reported globally come from animals, both wild and domestic, while over 30 new human pathogens have been detected in the last three decades, 75 percent of which have originated in animals.
Amid rising concerns over animal to human transmission and the accelerating climate crisis, the summit serves as a platform to break down barriers between human medicine, veterinary science, and environmental policy.
A major milestone was reached as the European Commission announced a €700 million (US$816 million) pledge to the Global Fund, with €46.5 million (US$54 million) specifically dedicated to strengthening African health security and the “One Health” workforce.
By integrating surveillance across sectors, the initiative aims to detect potential pandemics before they emerge.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) will chair the summit starting on Wednesday, as part of a four-way leadership structure, which includes the UN agriculture and environment agencies, FAO and UNEP).
Officials are emphasising that investments in antimicrobial resistance and food systems are no longer a luxury, but a necessity for global survival…. PACNEWS
PAC- IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: PMN PACNEWS BZ: Wed 08 Apr 2026
Pacific families hit hardest as fuel surge drives up cost of living
AUCKLAND, 09 APRIL 2026 (PMN) — Pacific families are feeling the full force of rising global fuel prices, with new analysis showing the impact is hitting the region far harder than in New Zealand.
ChildFund New Zealand says households across the Pacific region are being hit up to six times harder as higher fuel costs quickly drive up the price of food, transport, and basic goods.
The organisation estimates rising fuel prices are cutting household purchasing power by between 2.5 and 12 per cent across the Pacific, compared to around one to two per cent in Aotearoa.
Josie Pagani, ChildFund NZ’s chief executive, says the impact goes well beyond filling up the car.
“Fuel is a base cost. When it rises, everything rises with it,” she said in a statement. “In New Zealand, families feel it at the pump. In the Pacific, families feel it on the table.”
She says families across the region are being forced to make tough choices as everyday essentials become harder to afford.
Experts warn the situation could get worse. Al Gillespie, an international law expert, says the effects of global tensions are being felt more strongly across the Pacific.
“I think the fuel struggles are bad here, but in the Pacific they’re much worse, and I think there’s a likelihood that it will get more extreme before it gets better,” he told Pacific Mornings. “What we’re seeing in New Zealand is just a small part of a very large global problem.”
The impact is already showing across Pacific countries where many rely heavily on imported fuel and goods.
In the Marshall Islands, the government declared a state of economic emergency on 26 March as fuel and shipping costs surged, warning the situation is likely to worsen.
The Marianas Business Journal reports that over 90 percent of food is imported, with communities bracing for sharp price rises. Public transport fares have already increased by 40 to 50 per cent.
The Marshallese government has introduced tax exemptions starting at the end of April, boosting yearly take-home pay by about US$600.
Across the region, rising fuel costs are pushing up the price of transport, power, and basic goods.
In Tonga, petrol is already expensive on the outer islands, costing TOP$4.55 (US$1.89) per litre, and diesel is over TOP$5.30 (US$2.20) in some areas.
In Sāmoa, fuel prices have already gone up for April, with further increases likely as global tensions continue, especially in the Middle East.
Analysis from Kalgin Global Logistics shows Pacific countries are especially exposed because they rely on imports, meaning global shipping shocks are felt quickly and fully.
The impact is worse on remote islands, where transport costs are already high.
The growing pressure comes as New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters met U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Wednesday (NZT), with talks focused on stability and long-term cooperation.
Speaking on RNZ’s Morning Report, Peters said he made clear how serious the situation is for Pacific countries.
“Making sure the US understands the cost to us, the Pacific, the cost to our economy, to fuel supplies – not just New Zealand’s economy but also the Pacific economies we are responsible for,” he says.
Peters said discussions included ways to improve fuel supply across the region.
“We had a serious discussion… how we might get some ancillary tankers ready and get them to New Zealand to spread it around the Pacific as fast as we possibly can,” he says.
The talks come as global concern focuses on the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for much of the world’s oil.
Ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to drive uncertainty in fuel markets.
Even with signs of a possible pause in conflict, the outlook remains uncertain and for many Pacific families, the pressure is already being felt every day…. PACNEWS
FIJI – FUEL RELIEF: FBC NEWS PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 09 Apr 2026
Fiji Government unveils relief package to subsidise fuel
SUVA, 09 APRIL 2026 (FBC NEWS) — The Fiji government will provide direct relief to bus operators to ensure fares remain stable, as it is encouraging greater use of public transport.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said this is the main mode of transport for most Fijians, and they will protect it.
This is among the measures taken by the government to reduce the effects of the fuel crisis caused by the Middle East war.
Rabuka has further stated that the government will subsidise direct diesel costs for Energy Fiji Limited to ensure a stable and uninterrupted power supply across the country.
He said that this is important to keep our homes, businesses, and essential services running.
The government will also increase support for the vulnerable.
“Government will increase welfare assistance for our most vulnerable citizens, including additional support for those on social welfare and our elderly receiving pensions.”
Rabuka said that the government will consider reducing Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) contributions for both employers and employees; however, this is subject to parliamentary approval.
“This will help reduce costs for the businesses and put more money directly into the pockets of workers during this difficult period.”
The Prime Minister is urging citizens to negotiate flexible repayment terms with their banks, similar to previous relief measures, to help navigate the current economic challenges.
Meanwhile, the use of government vehicles has been restricted under the finance circular that was issued on 02 April. The ministries are required to carpool, and walking to nearby meeting venues is encouraged.
Rabuka said all authorised government vehicles operating after hours must carry official passes.
This, he said, will be monitored very closely by the police and the Land Transport Authority.
Rabuka stressed that idle parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles must be switched off when not in use.
“All travel must be planned for better coordination. Government meetings and trainings are to be conducted virtually where possible. Use of government vehicles after hours requires approval from permanent secretaries or heads of departments.”
Rabuka said that private use of government vehicles or deviations during official hours are strictly prohibited.
The Prime Minister said that transporting civil servants to and from home during official hours is prohibited unless overtime is in place.
He also said that garaging of government vehicles at home is prohibited unless approved by the permanent secretary…. PACNEWS
PNG – IRAN CRISIS/FUEL PRICE: THE NATIONAL PACNEWS BIZ: Thu 09 Apr 2026
Fuel price hike, PNG Government prepared for crisis, says Marape
PORT MORESBY, 09 APRIL 2026 (THE NATIONAL) — Fuel prices rose sharply Tuesday as flow-on effects of the Middle East conflict hit Papua New Guinea, with petrol prices hitting K6.10 (US$1.41 per litre and diesel at K7.69(US$1.78).
Petrol and diesel prices increased by K1.70 (US$0.39) and K3.25 (US$0.75) respectively. Kerosene increased by K3.36(US$0.77).
The new prices take effect on Wednesday.
The increase in these retail prices is based on the Singapore price movements, benchmarked against Mean of Plats Singapore (Mops).
The Mops prices for refined petroleum products significantly increased last month.
The Independent Consumer and Competition released the new prices yesterday.
There were long queues at service stations in Port Moresby as motorists tried to fill their tanks.
The price spike is a direct result of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical checkpoint in Iran that controls 20 percent of the world’s oil, due to the United States-Israel-Iran conflict.
Prime Minister James Marape told The National that the Government was “well prepared” to manage any potential fuel supply disruptions arising from the global instability as a result of the Middle East conflict.
“We are treating the fuel crisis as a national security priority,” he said.
“We have already activated contingency planning mechanisms and standby systems to deal with the arising fuel problem.”
Marape said the Government would intervene through targeted subsidies where necessary to ensure that fuel prices remained within manageable levels.
“Our objective is to contain inflation, protect our people from sudden price spikes, and maintain economic stability,” he said.
“Maintaining stable fuel prices is critical to controlling broader inflationary pressures, particularly in transport, food, and essential services.”
Marape urged the public to remain calm and avoid panic buying.
“There is no need for panic,” Marape said.
Marape said key State-owned enterprises, including those in the petroleum and mining sectors, had previously demonstrated the capacity to support national fuel security during times of crisis.
Domestic fuel distributors ExxonMobil through TotalEnergies, PumaEnergy, Niugini Oil Limited and Islands Petroleum have not stated how much stock they have in the country.
Marape said fuel security would become a matter of national importance, with oversight from the National Security Advisory Council.
“This is not just an economic issue – it is a national security priority,” he said.
“The council has deliberated on this matter and has authorised relevant State agencies to activate strategic facilities and interventions to safeguard supply across the country.”
Marape said PNG had experienced a similar situation before and would be able to navigate through this again…. PACNEWS
PACNEWS DIGEST
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Pacific bluefin tuna MP adoption back on track!
By Shana Miller. Project Director, International Fisheries Conservation
WASHINGTON, 09 APRIL 2026 (HARVEST STRATEGIES .ORG) — Last year presented an opportunity to adopt a management procedure (MP) for Pacific bluefin tuna—the world’s most valuable fish. Doing so would have placed all four global bluefin stocks under MP-based management.
Although the management strategy evaluation (MSE) provided a strong scientific foundation for selecting an MP, the parties were unable to reach consensus, and the decision was deferred to 2026.
We’re thrilled to report that deliberations resumed earlier this month in Newport Beach, California, USA, with significant progress toward adoption this year. Because Pacific bluefin tuna roam the 5,000+ miles across the Pacific, they are jointly managed by the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Northern Committee via an aptly named group called the Joint Working Group (JWG). It was the JWG that met last week.
The number of key players is relatively small for an international fishery. Major fishing nations include Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan in the western Pacific and the United States and Mexico in the eastern Pacific.
In Newport Beach, these parties worked constructively toward consensus on an MP aimed at securing the species’s hard-won recovery and ensuring a sustainable, abundant future for both the stock and the fishery.
Preliminarily coined the “Newport Beach Management Procedure,” the proposed model-based MP is a “hockey-stick” style harvest control rule (HCR). It includes a target fishing mortality rate of FSPR27.5 percent (i.e., the fishing level that would leave 27.5 percent of the unfished biomass per recruit in the water), and two control points: 20 percent of unfished biomass (SSBF=0) and the limit reference point of 7.7 percent of unfished biomass. 20 percent SSBF=0 corresponds to the species’s recently achieved rebuilding target, while 7.7 percent SSBF=0 was identified for tropical tunas as a threshold below which stock productivity could be impaired.
While agreement on these core MP elements marks a major milestone, several important details remain to be resolved when the JWG reconvenes in Nagasaki, Japan, 08-11 July. Members will need to agree to the relative impact of the western and eastern Pacific fisheries, as well as measures to limit catches on the smallest juvenile fish, among other provisions. Nevertheless, the most complex negotiation—the agreement on the harvest control rule—has now been successfully completed.
If finalised this year, the adoption of an MP for Pacific bluefin tuna would represent a historic achievement in international fisheries management, completing the global transition of all bluefin stocks to science-based, pre-agreed management frameworks.
Such an outcome would not only help safeguard the long-term health of the species but also provide greater predictability and stability for the fisheries and communities that depend on it, demonstrating what is possible when nations collaborate around shared scientific goals. We urge JWG members to bring the collaborative atmosphere fostered in Newport to Nagasaki this summer…. PACNEWS
The views expressed in PACNEWS are those of agencies contributing articles and do not necessarily those of PINA and/or PACNEWS
Stand together for science and health in the Pacific
Dr Wendy Snowdon, WHO Representative to Samoa, American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau
MANILA, 09 APRIL 2026 (WHO) — World Health Day is observed globally every 07 April and is a day to recognise all those who work in health care worldwide and the importance of health for all. This year’s theme is “Together for health. Stand with science,” celebrating the power of scientific collaboration to protect the health of people, animals, plants, and the planet.
In a world facing complex health threats, we need everyone to stand with science – by engaging with evidence, facts, and science-based guidance to protect health. Around the world, health systems are under pressure from complex threats, including misinformation and disinformation. Although it’s easy to access health information, not all of it is evidence-based or reliable. Unfortunately, misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly, often faster than facts. This is evident in how false claims about vaccines circulate online, raising doubts about their safety or effectiveness despite robust scientific evidence. When false or misleading information like this spreads widely, it erodes trust, delays people accessing health services, and endangers lives. This loss of trust impacts institutions, families, and communities as a whole.
In the face of uncertainty and mistrust, science provides a strong foundation for public health. Vaccines, safe water, effective tests, medicines and treatments, and infection prevention and control practices have saved millions of lives globally, including those in the Pacific island countries and areas (PICs) we support: American Samoa, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau. These public health gains were built through careful research, testing, learning from experience, and applying evidence in ways that serve communities. Science helped shape the health services people rely on every day.
Trust in science grows when information is transparent, accountable, and clearly grounded in evidence. Reliable health advice is built through observation, testing and ongoing learning. As new facts emerge, guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO), health ministries and departments, and other trusted sources evolves, to ensure the best outcomes possible.
Across the Pacific nations, standing with science also means recognising that knowledge comes in many forms. Indigenous knowledge and cultural practices have long guided how communities care for health and well-being. Indigenous knowledge contributes to the evidence base that strengthens understanding and improves health outcomes.
When it comes to standing with science and health, every person has a role to play. Ask questions about health issues that matter to you and your family. Seek answers from trusted sources such as the ministries or departments of health, WHO, and other official public health authorities. Make informed choices and ensure responsible sharing of reliable information.
The health and well-being of people and communities in our PICs, as in all nations, depend on cooperation, trust, and science-led action. Evidence-based decisions strengthen health systems, support the health workers delivering care, and protect families and communities. This is how trust is built, and how lives are saved.
On this World Health Day, let us stand together for science to protect the health and well-being of current and future generations…. PACNEWS
