The International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) encourages Member States to build functional laboratory quality management systems into their national laboratory system for the most reliable detection of potential outbreaks and emergencies of international concern.
These are just some of the many public health milestones that we should be proud of as people in the Pacific. These successes are a testament to what we can achieve if we all –leaders, health workers, volunteers, communities, partners and donors – work together towards common health goals
Suva (Fiji) - Efforts towards strengthening health information systems in Kiribati were well received as witnessed during the official handover of ICT equipment on behalf of the Ministry of Health at the Kiribati High Commission in Fiji.
Tuvalu was COVID-19 free up until October 2022 however since that time, reported community transmission of COVID-19 cases as of 24 November 2022 has now reached 2362.
The Pacific Community (SPC) with funding support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) will deploy a team comprising of 5 nurses, SPC’s Infection, Prevention and Control (IPC) advisor and Clinical Services advisor. The nurses departed for Tuvalu over the weekend.
A group of 22 radiologists from 7 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) in 2021, enrolled and completed the International Certificate in Radiology Fundamentals, in another step to broaden the region’s medical expertise.
The Pacific Community (SPC) with funding from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) facilitated this opportunity offered by Radiology Across Borders (RAB) in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, Canada.
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.
