A wide range of health issues affecting island states are being discussed at the Pacific Heads of Health meeting in Nadi.

Chair and Tonga Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale Akau’ola says the meeting aims to address the current state of health services in Pacific Island states, which have remained fragile due to the pandemic.

Dr Akau’ola says they have their work cut out for them as they discuss issues such as health governance, health information, human resources for health, NCD, primary health, reproductive and adolescent health.

He says they will also make frank assessments of the progress made so far.

Dr Akau’ola highlights that the agenda is a testament and reinforces the heavy responsibilities placed on them who are tasked with managing national health systems which are facing traditional and evolving diseases, workforce attrition and resource constraints.

“People who are attending who are actually the Heads of Health, CEO’s, Permanent Secretaries and all those key people, they are right there in the engine room of driving the health systems in various countries. So they are actually the ones that really know about the issues, really know about development of policies and they are actually the ones that advise Ministers of Health.”

Chair and Tonga Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale Akau’ola

He stresses the importance of the meeting cannot be overstated, as it will have a significant impact on the healthcare systems in Pacific Island states.

The Chair also acknowledged the tireless work and sacrifice by health workers during these trying times.

Dr Akau’ola adds they would not be able to achieve relevant health milestones over the years without the support, collaboration and guidance from our regional development partners and donors.

Outcomes and recommendations from the 14th Pacific Heads of Health meeting will be progressed to the Pacific Health Ministers meeting.