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PASEFIKA MEDICAL ASSOCIATION NZ CONFERENCE
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By Malia Tua’i Manuleleua |
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The 6th Annual Conference of the Pasefika Medical Association (PMA) at
the Duxton Hotel in Wellington was well attended by close to a hundred
Pacific members from the health sector in attendance.
This years theme, “The Voices of our Destiny”, Pacific Health Workers
serving our communities” was imminent in the pre-conference workshops
which discussed “Pacific Health in Aotearoa-determinants, trends and
challenges.” A framework was also identified for participants to work
within and to be proactive in reducing inequalities in health in their
day to day practice.
Pre-conference workshops were facilitatated by Dr Debbie Ryan, Chief
Advisor on Pacific Health to Ministry of Health and Dr Api Talemaitoga,
Otago GP and Conference Convener. A cocktail function hosted by the
Honourable Annette King, Minister of Health was held later in the
evening at Parliament House.
The conference was officially opened on Friday by the Honourable Taito
Philip Field, MP.
This was followed by
a presentation by Dr Joe Williams, GP and Chairperson of AuckPac
Primary Health Organisation (PHO). Dr Williams spoke on "Pacific
Leadership" and acknowledged Pacific Medical professionals who had made
significant contribution in spheres outside of the medical arena as in
politics, regional and international organisations. Dr Williams went on
to honour an outstanding Pacific leader Dr Tom Davis who was present at
the opening.
Dr Tom Davis, was described by Times magazine (1999) as the "Pacifican of the Century."
because of his impressive career and achievements as Prime Minister of
Cook Islands, positions with the NASA Space Research, his work as a
Navigator, Author, Historian and Composer " "…I am honoured and humbled
to be recognised by PMA." Dr Davis said. Dr Davis is currently the High
Commissioner of the Cook Islands in Wellington.
Dr Williams went on to present on the Meningococcal Vaccine Strategy
currently underway with Pacific Primary Health Organisations (PHOs) in
Auckland. The campaign which started 19th July in the Counties Manukau
and Eastern corridor will commence in Auckland DHB area on the 9th
November. Dr Williams emphasised the |
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Dr Nua Tupa'I, Dr Andrew Chan Mow at the Pasefika Medical
Association Conference. |
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Fuimaono Karl Pulotu Endermann and Memea Eleitino Bubsy
Ma’aelopa at the Pasefika Medical Association Conference. |
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Smokefree Pacific Action Network at the Pasefika Medical
Association Conference. |
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importance of community
involvement and participation in order to achieve the 90% target of
Pacific people to be immunised from Meningococcal b disease.
Representatives from Ministries of Health in Tonga, Sunia Soakai and
Frances Brebner from Samoa also participated in a panel discussion on
planning in the health sector. Nutrition, Obesity, Breast and Cervical
screening, Management of chronic diseases, Tuberculosis and others were
a few of the workshop topics covered during the conference.
A dinner held on Friday night recognised and awarded Dr. Joe Williams
and Fuimaono Karl Pulotu Endemann for outstanding achievement in their
fields of expertise.
Next years PMA conference is scheduled to be held in Tonga.
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Copyright Event Polynesia Ltd. 2004
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