The 2024 Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium took place over two days at the Sofitel Resort and Spa in Nadi, attracting nearly 300 participants. This event underscored the region’s dedication to promoting health research and guaranteeing that health policies are grounded in evidence.
Hosted by Fiji National University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, the symposium covered a range of health topics, emphasizing reproductive, maternal, neonatal, adult, and child health, with a special focus on rheumatic heart disease and HIV.
Dr. Donald Wilson from the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences highlighted the need for efficient systems to share information and enhance local research capabilities.
“We were fortunate to have representatives from more than 10 countries, particularly within the region, along with experts from Australia and New Zealand. The scale and impact of the symposium have been impressive. While progress is rapid, it’s essential that we establish systems that are both effective and ensure accurate information dissemination for the benefit of our communities. Our young researchers are learning and applying sound scientific methods. As we continue to expand our capacity, we hope to see more local experts generating the evidence necessary to effectively guide our policies,” Dr. Wilson commented.
The keynote address delivered by Dr. Keziah Benett-Brook focused on Indigenous health perspectives and the role of emerging researchers in driving change.
“During the symposium, I witnessed numerous young researchers presenting outstanding research, and I was truly inspired by their commitment to advocating for change through their work,” Dr. Benett-Brook noted.
Awards for the Best Oral and Poster Presentations were presented, with Sharon Gaundan winning the Best Oral Presentation for her research on One Health and antimicrobial resistance.
The symposium was a collaborative initiative involving various institutions and organizations from Australia and the Pacific region.