Well-known for its landscapes, authentic and welcoming population, the Pacific region is also sadly famous because of the high rate of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). NCDs are today the main cause of death in the Pacific. To help tackle this regional health crisis, the Public Health Division of the Pacific Community (SPC) began the Wake Up project.
The 10th Pacific Mini Games was held in Vanuatu from 4-15 December, bringing together thousands of athletes and visitors from across the region. While the public focus was on the incredible performances on the field, behind the scenes a team of trained public health surveillance officers from Vanuatu Ministry of Health, with support from the Pacific Community (SPC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), were monitoring the health of athletes and audiences.