The Pacific’s nursing crisis
'An unprecedented shortage' Pacific Heads of Health have heard that the shortage of skilled nurses in the region is “unprecedented and poses a threat to the stability, accessibility and quality of essential care
Health
Improving Pacific Islanders health in NZ and the region
The University of Auckland has opened the first-of-its-kind research centre dedicated to Pasifika health, the Te Poutoko Ora a Kiwa (Centre for Pacific and Global Health). Centre Co-Director, Dr Roannie Ng Shiu is a
Influenza B Flu outbreak closes schools in Samoa
Schools in Samoa have been closed for a further week as more than two thousand cases of the Influenza B flu have been recorded affecting mainly children. The public notice was issued Thursday by the Director of
Restrictions on American Samoa in Samoa
American Samoans have to comply with the strict health guidelines set by the Government of Samoa when entering the country as the nation tries to prevent measles from coming in. The neighbouring country has confirmed
Measles outbreak in American Samoa
American Samoa has issued a public health emergency after an outbreak of measles has spread across the U.S. territory. As of Tuesday, there has been one laboratory-confirmed case among an 8-year-old and 31 suspected
Contaminated cough syrup made in India found in Western Pacific: WHO
Contaminated cough syrup made by an Indian company has been found in the Marshall Islands and Micronesia, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Tuesday, after a spate of child deaths linked to similar syrups in
PNG Doctor warns about serious impacts of meth use
The use of methamphetamines is a serious issue and has the potential to catastrophically impact Papua New Guinea society if not addressed, a doctor says. Registrar for emergency medicine at Port Moresby General Hospital
Sacked health chief hits ‘blatant corruption’ in Marshall Islands
Jack Niedenthal, who was recently “fired” as health secretary of the Marshall Islands, blasted the national government for turning a blind eye to the “blatant corruption” involving “greedy
Drugs issue to pose escalated burden on PNG clinical services
A ticking time bomb waiting to explode awaits Papua New Guinea, according to practitioners in the Emergency Department of the Port Moresby General Hospital who reported seeing two cases with extreme psychosis in matters
No jab, no job policy revoked in Fiji
Fiji’s Attorney General Siromi Turaga has confirmed that the government has revoked the No Jab, No Job policy. Turaga said cabinet has decided to revoke the policy, effective Thursday. The Attorney General
Palau Senate pass bill to prohibit e-cigarettes
Members of the Palau Senate in February voted unanimously to pass the proposed bill that prohibits the manufacturing, importation, sale, and distribution of e-cigarettes was passed on first reading this week. Senate
55 countries face a health worker crunch linked to COVID-19: WHO
No less than 55 countries are struggling with serious health worker shortages as they continue to seek better paid opportunities in wealthier nations that have stepped up efforts to recruit them amid the COVID-19
WHO regional director fired for alleged racist misconduct
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has fired its top official in the Western Pacific after the Associated Press reported last year that dozens of staff members accused him of racist, abusive and unethical behaviour
The Fred Hollows Foundation welcomes $620m regional package for health in Pacific and Southeast Asia
The Fred Hollows Foundation in both Australia and New Zealand have warmly welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of $620 million funding for health systems in the Pacific and Southeast Asia. Announced on
Drought crisis to continue in Kiribati
Kiribati’s Minister for Infrastructure and Sustainable Energy (MISE) has said the current drought crisis affecting Kiribati is projected to continue in the coming months posing risks to health, sanitation and
Prioritise recruitment of skilled Melanesians: Vanuatu PM
Vanuatu Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau, who is also chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat has stressed any future employment within the MSG Secretariat must be sourced from MSG member countries.
New Guam bill seeks to rein in the governor’s emergency powers
In yet another attempt to clip the governor of Guam’s emergency powers, Senator Chris Duenas Tuesday introduced a bill that would authorise the legislature to terminate a public health emergency declaration. Bill 7-37
American Hospital CEO defends recruiting nurses from Fiji
Hiring nurses from Fiji and the Philippines, instead of neighboring Samoa has raised a lot of eyebrows. During a press conference at the ceremony to welcome nurses from Fiji, LBJ Hospital CEO, Moefaauo Bll Emmsley
Low measles immunisation in Pacific, WHO warns
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says it’s working with local and international consultants to promote Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccines in the Pacific. Measles, mumps and rubella vaccination coverage
Saved from the Unknown
One in four women with cervical cancer live in what the World Health Organisation (WHO) defines as the ‘Western Pacific Region’, a collection of Asia and Pacific Island states and territories. An estimated 145,700
NZ-designed sustainable technology supporting eye health in Papua New Guinea
A New Zealand-designed and built solar energy solution will now ensure critical eye surgery in Papua New Guinea can continue safely. The innovative solar system in a box, commissioned by The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ,
Tonga lifts most COVID health restrictions
After two-years and six-months, Tonga has lifted most of its COVID-19 health restrictions, including that for international travel and the national curfew, effective from September 27. The border has now fully
Climate finance, economic recovery features on day one of US-Pacific leaders summit
Pacific Islands leaders have completed their first day of meetings with the U.S. administration of President Joe Biden, with economic issues, health and COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and climate change on the agenda.
