Results for Pacific Islands

A new health report sheds light on the unique developmental challenges faced by Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). But despite obstacles, it says nations like Tonga, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Vanuatu are making strides toward universal health coverage (UHC) by focusing on primary healthcare and public health initiatives.

A group of scientists working aboard a research vessel in the southwest Pacific Ocean has discovered the world’s largest coral. Measuring 34 meters wide, 32 meters long and 5.5 meters high, with a circumference of 183 meters, the gigantic organism is a complex network of coral polyps — tiny individual creatures — that have grown over a span of three centuries. In contrast to a reef — which is a network of many coral colonies — this structure is a standalone coral that has grown uninterrupted for hundreds of years.  

Four Tongan RSE workers who were badly injured in a bus crash, after arriving in New Zealand this morning, Sunday, remain in hospital tonight. Twelve of the 32 workers on the bus were treated for injuries, and eight were discharged. Many came from Foa, in Ha'apai.

Tourism, climate, and conservation practitioners gathered in Nadi, Fiji, in a Building Island Climate Resilience and Sustainable Tourism workshop, to share experiences and develop practices aimed at building climate resilience in the sustainable and regenerative tourism sector.

Commonwealth countries adopted the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration for One Resilient Common Future, which calls on all 56 Commonwealth nations to protect and restore the ocean in the face of severe climate change, pollution, and impacts related to over-exploitation.

Tonga is the first Pacific Island country to conduct household surveys to collect data on the lives of women and children, under a new round of statistical surveys being undertaken in the region. Expected to be completed in December 2024, the household survey will cover a wide range of indicators, including health, education, and child protection, providing a holistic view of the nation’s progress since the last survey in 2019.

Strong political commitment, partnerships and community involvement are needed to tackle the global health challenges posed by noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health issues in the Commonwealth, was the message from a side event held at Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, today.

A new fellowship programme for Small Island Developing States was launched by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) this week in Samoa. The King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme is supported by King Charles III.

Ahead of the seventy-fifth session of the WHO Regional Committee for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala led the launch of a new report tracking progress in the Region on the health-related Sustainable Development Goals. The Regional Director also gave a preview of the expected outcomes of the Regional Committee meeting that will take place in Manila, Philippines, on 21-25 October.