Pharmac hosts World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Directors

In July, Pharmac hosted the newly elected WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, and the Director of Pacific Technical Support and WHO Representative to the South Pacific, Dr Mark Jacobs.

“Their visit was part of a tour of the Western Pacific region and focused on health issues for those areas as well as opportunities for more collaboration,” says Pharmac’s Director Equity and Engagement, Dr Nicola Ngawati.

Pharmac staff presented on a range of topics, including COVID-19 vaccines and treatments in the Pacific, as well as the procurement, funding, and contract management of medicines. They also discussed the advice and assessment that inform Pharmac’s decision-making.

“Dr Piukala was particularly interested in the COVID-19 vaccine and medicine donations made to the Pacific, including countries that are part of the realm of New Zealand - Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau,” says Dr Ngawati.

Both guests were interested in Pharmac’s specialist advisory committees and prioritisation process. Dr Piukala asked about potential opportunities to collaborate on medicine procurement in Pacific countries, especially small countries like Tuvalu, Tonga, the Cook Islands, and the New Zealand territory of Tokelau.

“We don’t often have the opportunity to meet with WHO representatives,” says Dr Ngawati. “This visit was a great opportunity to update them on our ongoing efforts to support the Pacific as part of Dr Piukala’s initial round of meetings in the region.”