His Excellency Sir Ratu Epeli Nailatikau; President of the Republic of Fiji;
Honourable Minister for Health and Medical Services of Fiji, Mr Jone Usamate;
Director-General of the SPC, Dr Colin Tukuitonga;
Honourable Ministers of Health and other distinguished partners;
Ladies and gentlemen
It is a great pleasure to be here with you at the 11th Pacific Health Ministers Meeting.
Or should I say, Ni Sa Bula! (Nee-Sam-Boolah)
On behalf of the World Health Organization, I would like to thank the Government of Fiji for hosting us here on Yanuca (Ya-new-tha) Island.
Twenty years ago, the first ever Pacific health ministers meeting was held in this same beautiful location.
Since that time, you have made great strides towards the Healthy Islands vision for the development of the Pacific.
Your accomplishments have included drastic reductions in child mortality and hepatitis B infections, as well as major strides towards eliminating tetanus, measles, lymphatic filariasis and leprosy in the Pacific.
The region has also maintained its polio-free status since 2000.
I congratulate all the health ministers — past and present — for their hard work as guardians of the health and well-being of their people.
Even as we have made great strides, however, the Pacific continues to confront unprecedented health challenges.
The region's triple burden of noncommunicable disease, communicable disease and climate change complications threatens to undermine advances in health and development.
Pacific NCD rates are among the world's highest. Despite notable successes, communicable disease rates also remain unacceptably high. Climate change further complicates the region's health challenges.
Tropical Cyclone Pam was the latest in a trend of escalating natural hazards. These events can wipe out a decade of development in a day.
The storm washed away much of Vanuatu's agriculture — which employs four out of five people — and crippled tourism — which accounts for about a third of the gross domestic product.
Our deepest sympathies go out those affected.
Immediately following the storm, WHO deployed experts to assist in surveillance and response efforts, along with emergency health kits for 50 thousand people.
We continue to support mass vaccination and vitamin supplementation campaigns in Vanuatu
From disaster response and NCDs to infectious diseases and food safety, many of the Pacific's most pressing health issues require action well beyond the health sector.
Pacific island countries currently devote up to 90% of health expenditures on curative, rehabilitative and palliative care — largely resulting from NCDs.
And the burden will continue to rise as long as risk factors continue to increase.
We have supported countries in their efforts to reduce NCD risk factors with initiatives ranging from cigarette taxes to raise revenue for health programmes to cost-effective interventions and health promotion foundations.
Addressing these issues requires collaboration among the whole-of-society, as well as regional and international support.
WHO helps bring together the necessary resources and know-how to tackle these challenges — starting with strengthening health systems with a focus on prevention.
Together, we must increase investment in health across the Pacific — especially human resources — and expand health services towards Universal Health Coverage.
Of course, all success stories must start with your strong leadership in health.
Since becoming regional director, I have enjoyed a special relationship with many of you.
I share your dedication and passion for improving the lives of your people.
Now in my second term, I am committed to work even harder for the Pacific — and continue to make good on the good faith you have always shown me.
The Healthy Islands vision continues to be a beautiful and pure expression of where we need to be heading. In many ways, the vision is even more fitting today than it was 20 years ago.
And now this forum is more focused. These meetings have become a golden opportunity to collaborate in charting the course of health and development for the next generation.
Working together, we can make the Healthy Islands vision a reality for our children.
Thank you.