The Pacific Islands Health Research (PIHRS) Organising Committee upon the conclusion of the two-day symposium at the Sofitel Resort and Spa, Denarau Island, Fiji.

The 2024 Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium (PIHRS) has once again demonstrated the region’s commitment to advancing health research and ensuring that health policies are evidence-based.

The symposium, hosted by the Fiji National University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS), successfully concluded yesterday, bringing together nearly 300 participants over two days at the Sofitel Resort and Spa in Nadi.

This year’s symposium focused on critical topics in reproductive, maternal, neonatal, adult, and child health, non-communicable, communicable diseases, with special emphasis on rheumatic heart disease and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

CMNHS Associate Dean, Director of Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research (FIPHR) and Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium (PIHRS) Organising Committee Chair, Dr Donald Wilson highlighted the significance of this year’s event.

“We were privileged to have representatives from over 10 countries, particularly from the region, including experts from Australia and New Zealand. The symposium’s scale and impact has been remarkable,” Dr Wilson said.

“Things are moving very fast, but it is crucial that we develop systems that are not only efficient but also ensure that information is disseminated correctly for the benefit of our people.”

“Our young researchers are learning and applying correct and sound scientific methodologies. As we continue to build capacity, we hope to see more local experts providing the evidence needed to inform our policies effectively.”

The George Institute for Global Health Guunu-maana (Heal) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Health Program Head, Dr Keziah Benett-Brook delivered the Keynote Address on the second day of the 2024 Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium (PIHRS).

The George Institute for Global Health Guunu-maana (Heal) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Health Program Head, Dr Keziah Benett-Brook delivered the Keynote Address on the second day of the symposium.

The proud Torres Strait Islander woman delivered her address on the Guunu-maana (Heal) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Health Program, as well ways to bridge knowledge to behaviour gaps from the perspective of an Indigenous health paradigm.

“While I was part of the symposium, I witnessed a lot of young researcher presenters presenting these incredible pieces of research, and I was really inspired to see that these young researchers are advocating for change through their work,” Dr Keziah Benett-Brook stated.

The symposium concluded with awards given for Best Poster Presentations and Oral Presentations. Winner of Best Oral Presentation for One Health, Sharon Gaundan is an advocate for One Health and combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

“As a Medical Laboratory Scientist in the field of Animal Sciences, I believe in advocating for One Health and AMR.”

“By integrating human, animal, and environmental health perspectives, we are safeguarding public health but also promoting sustainable practices that reduce the spread of resistant pathogens. interdisciplinary approach is essential in developing strategies that protect both human and animal populations from the growing threat of AMR.”

Gaundan, who is also the Head- Instructional Lab Uni-College of Agriculture at FNU, said winning an award for her presentation, was a moment she will always cherish.

2024 Pacific Islands Health Research Symposium (PIHRS) Winner of Best Oral Presentation on One Health, Sharon Gaundan.

“It was an incredible experience to share this achievement with fellow researchers from my undergraduate college, Fiji School of Medicine, especially as it was my first presentation as a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidate.”

“Meeting them again reminded me how far we have come and the exciting journey ahead in our research careers.”