The 6th Pacific Island Chief Dental Officers Meeting conference dinner banuquet at the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour last night.
The 6th Pacific Island Chief Dental Officers Meeting is a milestone event for the dental fraternity to discuss issues affecting oral health.
This statement was shared by the President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere while officiating at the dental conference’s banquet dinner at the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour last night.
President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere at the event last night.
The four-day event was organised by the Oral Health Pacific Island Alliance (OPIA) in partnership with Fiji National University (FNU) and the Pacific Community (SPC) from July 17-20.
The Head of State further added that oral health is integral to general health and supports individuals participating in society and achieving their potential.
“I commend the hard work and efforts of the Oral Health Pacific Island Alliance and the commitment and partnership by the Fiji National University and the Pacific Community for hosting this meeting,” the President said.
“This meeting is very timely, where you have all gathered to discuss the Global Oral Health Strategy as well as working towards establishing a Global Oral Health Action Plans for the region,” he said.
His Excellency, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere with FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS), Dr William May.
“It is also a great opportunity for sharing innovative ideas amongst your colleagues, as well as sharing your country profile updates and what worked well for you during the pandemic.”
FNU Acting Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning and Teaching), Dr Jimaima Lako highlighted that oral health was important as it had a direct relationship to general health.
“This regional meeting has allowed all oral health leaders to gather and discuss common issues affecting oral health,” Dr Lako said.
“The Sustainable Development Goal Number 3 Good Health and Well-being ensures healthy lives and promotes well-being for all at all ages.”
“It is our duty to promote healthy living and lifestyle, and this must be practiced and not just mere words.”
OPIA fosters regional cooperation and the exchange of ideas among oral health professionals through collaborative efforts to strengthen the prevention and control of oral diseases.
FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) is the premier medical institution in the South Pacific, educating Health Care Professionals since its establishment in 1885. Its five schools provide training in health sciences disciplines including medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, radiography, laboratory technology, public health, dietetics, and environmental health.
As a future-focused, dual-sector university, CMNHS undertakes research with real-world impact, aligned to national priorities and with regional and global relevance.