Page 28 - IB AUG 2018

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UNITED – WE STAND es, in particular in regard to climate change and health-
two areas I believe are inextricably linked. The Pacific is
often referred to as a ‘canary in a coal mine’ with issues
PACIFIC TAKING A LEAD ROLE IN IMPROVING HEALTH OUTCOMES that our region has been focused - including clean water,
sustainable healthy agriculture, and non-communicable
diseases - becoming increasingly relevant throughout
the rest of Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Our region has invaluable experience and expertise to
offer the WHO, but in the small islands of the Pacific
where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) currently
threaten to overwhelm health systems, it is essential
that the WHO also recognizes the need for leaders and Dr Tukuitonga with Minister of Health from the Cooks Islands, Hon Nandi
frontline staff who understand our context, health sys- Glassie and Dr Shin of WHO
tem challenges in small island states, and the nature of
the health burden. mation across the organization, improving the impact of
work and demonstrating clear results from the money
invested. SPC is a complex organization
working across 26 different sectors, including health,
to provide scientific and technical support to its Pacific
members. Experience with this kind of multi-sector and
inter-governmental work, combined with strong rela-
tionships with members and donors, is why the Pacific
Ministers of Health initially invited me to run for the

Dr Tukuitonga with Pacific Leaders and French President Emmanuel Macron Regional Director role as the sole candidate from our
The Western Pacific Region is the largest of the WHO region.
In October 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) will select a new Regional Director for the Western Pacific regions and yet it receives only 14% of the total WHO Will our region take advantage of this opportunity? As a
Region. The Regional Director plays a key role in global health leadership and can make a substantial contribution to global budget, an amount that is projected to decline Pacific Islander, I know our strength has always been in
achieving quality health care for all, in line with the wider WHO Universal Health Coverage agenda and the Sustainable even further over the 2018/2019 biennium. Even more our unity. If we speak with a single voice, we can achieve
Development Goals. The Regional Director will have responsibility for making decisions on frameworks, priorities, and troubling, the WHO global budget allocation for NCD great things for all the people of our region.
resources, which will have significant and long-lasting impact on the future of health policy and investment across 30 prevention and control is projected to decline by 24%
nations, including 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs). during 2018/19, despite the rising burden of NCDs. The Regional Director election in October opens the
door for our region to unite in support of a stronger Pa-
Since 1951 the Western Pacific Region has been ably led by directors from China, the Philippines, Japan (twice) and The WHO is currently undergoing an organization-wide cific voice in the WHO and to improve Pacific people’s
Korea (twice). With the office based in Manila, the organization has understood and engaged with the priorities and review, making the selection of the next Regional Direc- health and well-being.
needs of Asia and Southeast Asia. While the office has done its best to represent all its members, the fact remains that tor even more critical. Ensuring that an experienced and
the Pacific region has received inadequate attention for far too long. committed leader is appointed for the Western Pacific I encourage you to walk with me through that door, to-
Region will be essential for the WHO to fully understand gether.
the national priorities of its members and support the
Why now? efforts of all countries in the Asia-Pacific.
By working together, we can change this.
The Pacific has made incredible progress over the past An opportunity for us all
Earlier this year I had the honour of being invited by the I have dedicated my career to working towards a world
Pacific Health Ministers of our region to run for the posi- 67 years. Development in education, science and tech- that is healthier and have held many senior roles in the
tion of Regional Director for WHO’s Western Pacific Re- nology has been rapid. Our universities are producing health sector and beyond that have equipped me for
gion. In May, I was formally nominated as a candidate by world leaders and our role as custodians of the Pacific the Regional Director position. Over the last 40 years,
New Zealand and support from Australia soon followed. Ocean is increasingly recognized, valued and respected.
There is much for which we should all feel proud. In I have engaged in clinical, academic, research, policy,
In October the Pacific will have the opportunity to en- my current role as Director-General of the Pacific Com- and teaching roles in institutions at the local, regional
sure the voice of our region is heard and understood. By munity (SPC), I have had the privilege of seeing first and global level - including with the WHO. I have a deep
supporting my nomination, the Pacific can be sure they hand some of the world-class innovations and scientific understanding of the issues facing the Western Pacific
are supporting a vocal champion and proven advocate achievements taking place. Region and a strong commitment to advocating for our
of Pacific health priorities for this important leadership collective interests. In my current role as SPC’s Direc- Always willing and ready to serve our region.
role. However, our region continues to face serious challeng- tor-General, I have led a process of change and transfor Dr Colin Tukuitonga

28 Islands Business, August 2018