The Pacific Health Governance Research Network: Workshop 2 was conducted in Nadi, Fiji from 20–22 February, 2019. The workshop was hosted by the Fiji National University, Pacific Community (SPC) and University of Queensland. The RDI Network supported the event by sponsoring Mr Jerry Oikwo from the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination, Solomon Islands, and Dr Gade Waqa from Fiji National University. The five major research themes covered in the workshop were: Climate Change and Health; Health Systems and Universal Health Coverage; Non–Communicable Diseases/Food Systems; Health Security; and Water Sanitation and Hygiene. The keynote speakers who provided reflections on these themes were Dr Audrey Aumua, Deputy Director General of the Pacific Community, and Hon Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, Minister for Health and Medical Services, Fiji.
Jane Estoesta attended the workshop on behalf of Family Planning NSW and the RDI Committee. It was a great opportunity to meet and network with fellow researchers and academics from the Pacific, New Zealand, Australia and local health officials. The presentations for the five research themes demonstrated critical, cross cutting issues in the Pacific. Workshop participants were very engaged and the group discussions were productive. The group facilitators reported back and summarised conclusions regarding research and capacity needs at the end of the workshop.
Jane wishes to congratulate the hosts for a well organised and valuable event. The workshop program ran smoothly and on schedule, and mostly importantly the workshop objectives were achieved. The full summary of workshop outcomes will be released soon and will be available on the RDI Network website.
We hope to see more researchers, academics and Pacific health officials at the next Pacific Health Governance Research Network workshop in 2020 in New Zealand.
