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The COVID-19 (COrona VIrus Disease 2019) outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 11 March 2020. Globally, nations are taking actions to reduce and control the spread of the virus.
Photo: Oni Lewakulati (Fiji) separating female mosquitoes from males in the QIMR Berghofer Mosquito Control Lab. - Credit: PacMOSSI
This content has been shared here with permission and was originally published on QIMR Berghofer website.
Every consumable product has a shelf life, and it is no different when it comes to health resources and medical supplies. Medicines and medical supplies tend to lose their effectiveness over time and lead to wastage.
According to the World Health Organisation, about 85% is general non-hazardous waste generated by healthcare. It is noted that the quantity of healthcare waste in the Pacific is increasing as population grows demanding more medical services.
Since its creation in December 1996 a key objective of the Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network (PPHSN) has been to connect health professionals to facilitate timely sharing of information about health threats in the region.
From the onset of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Pacific Community has worked with donor agencies and partners to strengthen and safeguard the health of Pacific Islanders.
Working with international agencies and local authorities, SPC, the World Health Organisation and the World Food Program helped provide much need medical and humanitarian resources to strengthen COVID 19 preparedness and response.
I have worked in the Pacific health sector for the past 20 years and continue to witness our region advance and evolve with its health service delivery, resources, and health expertise and progress steadily towards the Healthy Islands Vision.
The Pacific Community (SPC) and its Public Health Division work in the region to support PICTs by providing technical assistance, advise, supporting capacity development and improving health service delivery and resources.
The Pacific Community turned 75 on the 6th of February 2022. As we mark 75 years of the Pacific Community’s Service to the region, on the 6th of each month we will feature a key moment in history for the organization.
Over the past 25 years, SPC has been facilitating networking, sharing of information and knowledge between PICTs and partners to strengthen health security in the Pacific through the Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network (PPHSN).
The Pacific Community (SPC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) launched a manual for surveillance and control of Aedes mosquitoes’ vectors in the Pacific during a virtual meeting today.
Mosquitoes of the Aedes genus can transmit viruses that cause dengue, Zika and chikungunya disease. Three diseases that have taken their toll in the Pacific region in recent years, with 95 outbreaks (68 dengue outbreaks, 12 Zika virus and 15 Chikungunya) reported between January 2012 and 13 May 2021.
The Pacific Community (SPC) is working with Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) to roll out their COVID-19 vaccination plans. So far COVID-19 vaccine has been administered in 12 PICTS.
Building a fairer, healthier world in the Pacific region means ensuring everyone has access to COVID-19 vaccines.
