11th Pacific Health Ministers Meeting

From 15th to 17th April 2015, on Yanuca Island, Fiji, the 11th Eleventh Pacific Health Ministers meeting was collectively organised by the Fijian government, WHO, and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community.

The Health Ministers of the respective Pacific countries examined the level of progress that was accomplished over the past twenty years regarding the health sector, and defined the strategic course to be undertaken by the leadership as well as the development of the health sector in the Pacific, presenting numerous challenges for emergent Pacific Island countries.

Colin Tukuitonga, Director General of SPC, said: “The Pacific is vastly different today than it was 20 years ago and our region is today faced with a multitude of challenges. As of now, we have the opportunity to build on the knowledge and experience we have gathered in the health sector by encouraging governmental authorities, non-governmental organisations, civil society and the private sector to increase their cooperation and to act together to improve the day-to-day lives of all of the people of Oceania.”

In 1995, Yanuca Island was host to the very first Pacific Health Ministers meeting, and on this occasion the concept of ‘Healthy Islands’ was adopted, as the unifying theme for Pacific Island Countries and Territories.

World Health Organisation Dr. Shin Young-Soo, Regional Director for the Western Pacific added: “Still as relevant as ever, the Healthy Islands concept remains an evocation of the wonderful and pure path that we must follow. These meetings have become a unique event where we can, together, set the direction to be taken in the field of development for future generations and for the health sector. By working hand in hand, we can make the idea of Healthy Islands a reality for our children.”