Pasifika Medical Association Group

12/03/2026

The PMA family would like to congratulate PMA Board Director, Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga, on being inducted as one of 13 new Fellows of the Pacific Academy of Sciences. The Fellows were formally inducted at the Academy’s inaugural congress held last month in Apia, Samoa.

“Being admitted as a Fellow is recognition that we have been successful in the fields we work in.

"It is recognition from your peers. It is not an outsider making a judgement. It is people who understand the work acknowledging that contribution.”

🔗 Read here: https://bit.ly/46UpN52

10/03/2026

This Humanitarian Networks and Partnerships Week, we reflect on the power of collaboration across our region.

Through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), 2025 was a year of partnership, knowledge sharing and strengthening health systems across the Pacific.

From Visiting Medical Teams delivering specialist care, to capacity building alongside local clinicians, we are so grateful to be supporting countries to strengthen care for their own communities.

The work delivered under the NZMTS is made possible through our partnership with the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Swipe through for a snapshot of what we achieved together in 2025!

10/03/2026

Here at PMA, partnerships drive our response across the Pacific.

Through PACMAT (Pacific Medical Assistance Team), our teams deploy alongside local health services during disasters to provide care, expertise and support when it matters most.

08/03/2026

Before the day ends, we want to wish all our wāhine a Happy International Women’s Day! 💐 Every day we see the women in our lives give so much to those around them and to what they do. May we continue to celebrate them always 💜

27/02/2026

26/02/2026

Two measles cases have been confirmed in Auckland, linked to overseas travel. While Public Health is managing contact tracing, this is a good reminder for all of us to stay informed and check that we and our family are protected.

Measles spreads easily, especially to babies, elders and those with lower immunity. If you’re feeling unwell, please call ahead before visiting your doctor, or contact Healthline on 0800 611 116 for free advice.

Now is also good time to check your MMR vaccination status, especially if you or your loved ones are travelling overseas.

For full location details and official advice, visit info.health.nz/locations-of-interest

18/02/2026

The inaugural Pacific Academy of Sciences brought together regional leaders and researchers. Thirteen distinguished Fellowes were inducted, including PMA Chair Dr Kiki Maoate, PMA Board Director Sir Collin Tukuitonga and PMA founding member Dame Teuila Percival.

With powerful calls from Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala for culturally grounded health systems, this moment signals a bold new era: Pacific science led by Pacific voices, priorities and values.

📸 WHO, South Seas Healthcare

13/02/2026

Findings from The Manalagi Survey has been published in the New Zealand Medical Journal's latest issue, shining a light on how discrimination is affecting healthcare access for Pacific Rainbow+ communities in Aotearoa.

Among 396 respondents, nearly one in five cisgender participants and more than one in four transgender and non-binary participants said they had avoided going to a GP, clinic or hospital because they feared being treated unfairly. The study also found that every additional experience of discrimination increased the likelihood of avoiding care by around 60 percent, with racism emerging as the strongest driver.

The research was led by Dr Patrick Thomsen, Dr Kyle Tan, Phylesha Brown-Acton, Dr Sam Manuela, Dr Dion Enari, Dr Sisikula Sisifa, Dr Sarah McLean-Orsborn, Dr Roannie Ng Shiu and Zerlina Wong.

🔗 Read the journal article here: https://bit.ly/3Mnv2Dm

11/02/2026

Yesterday, 11 February, marked the International Day of Women and Girls in Science 🧪

We look back at Patricia Miraneta Vaiaso's journey, a Samoan medical laboratory scientist, who underwent training with the Pacific Pathology Training Centre in Haemotology through the NZ Medical Treatment Scheme.

🔗 Read: https://pmagroup.org.nz/updates/samoan-scientist-continues-to-expand-skillset-through-the-nzmts

10/02/2026

Specialist Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) capacity in Samoa has been strengthened following the completion of postgraduate training by Dr Maria Ah Kuoi-Lauano, supported by the Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) under the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS).

Dr Ah Kuoi is Samoa’s first female ENT surgeon, a feat she is proud of, breaking new ground in a specialty traditionally dominated by men.

🔗 Read here: https://bit.ly/461VOYx

New Zealand High Commission in Samoa

04/02/2026

Etu Pasifika Clinical Director, Dr Maryann Heather, warns that one in four people infected with dengue will get sick, with outbreaks ongoing in the islands. Know the symptoms, protect against mosquito bites and seek medical care if you're concerned after travel.

She spoke with RNZ to provide some insights.

Read here: https://bit.ly/3NVgxHe

04/02/2026

This World Cancer Day, we’re recognising that cancer care is about more than treatment.

During a Visiting Medical Team trip to Fiji, supported through the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme, patients recovering from oral and facial cancer received life-changing surgery and prosthetics, while local clinicians and technicians were trained to continue this care long after the visit ended.

Local oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Fiji, Dr Inosi Salababa shared: “The quality of life for these patients has significantly improved — allowing them to return to society, their families, and their communities.”