The isolation of Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICT’s) are part of the regions appeal for visitors looking to escape city life for a while. But this isolation also creates unique transportation and knowledge management challenges which are important for maintaining basic services and goods. Nowhere is this challenge more pronounced than health, where close regional cooperation, rapid responses, and efficient transport times are essential.

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.

After a volcanic eruption, a tsunami and the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak, the people of Tonga are united in an effort to protect their communities and rebuild their island nation. However Pacific nations and organizations always rise to support their neighbours, and the efforts to support Tonga are no exception.  

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.