Assistant Minister Emma McBride will travel to Tonga this week to represent the Australian Government at the 15th Pacific Health Ministers Meeting.
Held in Nuku’alofa between 20 and 22 September, the meeting is a forum to discuss progress of health outcomes for people across the Pacific.
The meeting will focus on:
- rethinking human resources for health
- tackling the drivers of obesity, particularly for children and young people
- advancing health information and digital transformation in the health sector
- strengthening health system resilience.
The Pacific Health Ministers Meeting is held every two years. This year, it is hosted by the Government of Tonga, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pacific community.
Australia is committed to working in partnership with governments in our region to address our shared health priorities.
The Australian Government has supported Pacific island countries to build equitable and resilient health systems, including through the $620 million Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister, Emma McBride:
“Deepening Australia’s engagement across the Pacific is a key focus for the Albanese Government with health and health care a shared priority for our region.
“The Pacific Health Minister’s Meeting will serve as an opportunity for Australia to work with Pacific nations to improve the health of people who call our part of the world home.
“The meeting will build connections and strengthen relationships with Health Ministers in the Pacific region and focus on health issues that affect Pacific communities.
“Increased engagement in the Pacific is one of Australia’s highest foreign policy priorities, and I’m pleased to represent Australia and reaffirm our support for a strong and unified Pacific family.”
