October 10th, 2025
The Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation Community Studio recently hosted an important stakeholder mapping session with Professional Volunteer Doctors Dr. Ram and Dr. Nadan under the Global Connect initiative. This groundbreaking discussion focused on identifying and strengthening the institutional partnerships, donor relationships, and professional networks that are essential to advancing healthcare across the Pacific region.
Connecting Global Health Leaders
The session brought together representatives and insights from leading international health organizations including the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA), WONCA Asia Pacific Region, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP), Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP), World Health Organization (WHO), and aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals framework.
Key Initiatives Highlighted
The discussion spotlighted several transformative programs working to strengthen Pacific healthcare:
HealthBridge Pacific is uniting the Pacific through resilient, community-driven healthcare systems, focusing on primary health care and workforce networks that empower frontline health workers across Pacific Island Countries.
Pacific GPs Welfare & Global Connect champions the wellbeing and global integration of Pacific General Practitioners through strategic cooperation, digital health diplomacy, and shared learning platforms.
Young Doctors Pacific Movement, operating under WONCA Asia Pacific, cultivates leadership and capacity building among emerging medical professionals across the region.
Preparing for Regional Collaboration
As the Pacific prepares to host the 76th Regional Committee Meeting of the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office in Fiji, these conversations become even more critical. The session explored how established medical colleges from Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, and the Philippines can provide technical assistance to empower Pacific family doctors, building a united and future-ready healthcare workforce.
Pacific First Policy
Central to these efforts is the Pacific First Policy consultation, which calls upon Fijian and Pacific diasporas to lead healthcare initiatives with cultural understanding, heritage awareness, and healing practices that honor Pacific values and traditions.
Call to Action
The Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation invites healthcare professionals, institutions, donors, and community partners to join this movement. Whether through the Pacific Physicians Health Connect, Young Doctors Connect, or other collaborative platforms, every voice and partnership contributes to building a healthier, more connected Pacific.
For more information about Global Connect and the Foundation's healthcare initiatives, contact the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation Community Studio.
About Global Connect
Global Connect is an initiative of the Vodafone ATH Fiji Foundation that bridges Pacific healthcare professionals with international partners, fostering knowledge exchange, capacity building, and sustainable healthcare solutions across the Pacific region.
END