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.

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).

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.