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 specialised training in orthopaedics focusing on hip and spine surgery has provided health practitioners an opportunity to strengthen and upskill knowledge in theory and practise.

The Pacific Community (SPC) supports opportunities for capacity development of health experts who specialise in specific health areas while furthering their studies.

Discover how the Digi-he@lth project, implemented by SPC, in conjunction with the Wallis and Futuna Catholic Education Office and with funding support provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Fonds d’expérimentation pour la jeunesse (Experimental Fund for Youth), helps to improve the health of children using digital tools.

Infection, prevention, and control (IPC) focal points from Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Kiribati, and Solomon Islands successfully completed a 10-hour hand hygiene Gold standard auditors training. They are now recognised as the first cohort of IPC focal points in the Pacific as Hand Hygiene Australia (HHA) Gold Standard Compliance Auditors & Assessors, and are now able to train general auditors making the program more sustainable at country level.

The training was held virtually during the first week of April and was facilitated by Kate Ryan, HHA Manager and Program coordinator.

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.

Capacity building and strengthening of core competencies for public health is a priority of the Pacific Public Health Surveillance Network (PPHSN) since its creation twenty-five years ago.

Throughout the years, the Pacific Community (SPC) together with PPHSN partners developed and delivered several training courses in field epidemiology and public health surveillance for the region.