Page 5 - November 2021 IB FINAL

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

What have our health systems learnt through the COVID-19 pandemic? That is
November 2021 Vol 47 No 11 the question we ask in this month’s issue. We start with funding (historical and
Managing Director / Publisher COVID-related) and regional cooperative efforts, and then look to health issues
Samisoni Pareti and case studies in French Polynesia and New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea,
Solomon Islands, Palau and Vanuatu.
Managing Editor Pacific health systems—if you remove the distortions created by the cost
Samantha Magick
of overseas referrals and the COVID response—have been chronically under
resourced.
“The amount of public expenditure on public health is essentially a political
Designer
decision. It really tells you how serious is any government about public health,”
Dick Lee
Ian Anderson, a long term development and health specialist, tells us.
As we’ve seen over the past two years, that lack of investment has had some
Contributors
tragic consequences. The manner of funding, for example through constituency
Ben Bilua
discretionary funds in some cases, and claims of outright corruption in others,
Bernadette Carreon
has perpetuated poor health outcomes for some of the Pacific’s most vulner-
Dan McGarry
able people, particularly in rural and remote island regions.
Dennis Rounds
It is no surprise that at the heart of this story is the Pacific islands’ terrible
Giff Johnson
record on non-communicable diseases. Despite years of investment in this
Jason Jett
space and a plethora of campaigns, many of our countries continue to be world
Kevin McQuillan
leaders in the worst way- topping the tables in obesity, diabetes, and diabetes-
Len Garae
related amputations. That is why the story on Vanuatu’s pilot on school lunches
Mere Nailatikau
is so important, as it’s a problem that requires cultural, generational change.
Nic Maclellan
We will have related stories on our website throughout the month, so don’t
Samisoni Pareti
forget to login for further coverage.
Scott Waide
Until next month, stay safe and healthy!
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