COVID-19 is still around the Pacific and people should still be cautious as there are other life-threatening diseases emerging said the Pasifika Medical Association Group. 

Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O.) Debbie Sorensen shared about the current state of COVID-19 testing and health priorities in the Pacific region during an interview with the Samoa Observer.

She shed light on the challenges and strategies in managing public health amid the ongoing pandemic and also acknowledged that COVID-19 remains present, although not at the levels observed in previous years. 

She stressed the importance of not overlooking other critical health concerns, such as measles and influenza vaccinations.

"They're certainly not at the rates that they were in the last three years but it's no question that COVID is around," she said.

"One of the biggest things for us is less about COVID but more about measles and we know here what happens when we don't have measles under control and also about flu injections and protecting people so that they don't get sick so those two things I think are a real priority.

"It's not hard for the people to go out and spread it to the vulnerable people so our position is that if people feel they're unwell they should stay home."

Highlighting preventive measures, Mrs. Sorensen emphasized personal responsibility, urging individuals to stay home if feeling unwell and to wear masks in public. She acknowledged a sense of complacency due to reduced reporting requirements but emphasized the need for continued vigilance.

Reflecting on pandemic responses, Mrs. Sorensen acknowledged that extreme measures during COVID-19 had negative societal impacts, such as isolation from dying family members and disruptions to education.

"I think those things that we did during Covid were quite extreme and we did it for a reason but they were extreme and there were many things that I think were harmful to us as a population," she said.

"Not being able to be with someone in our family that's dying is very harmful, kids not being able to go to school. We've lost a couple of years of education so I think those things are important, but encouraging people to be responsible for their health is very important.

"It's simple things as always washing your hands, covering your face if you sneeze, and staying home if you feel unwell."

The C.E.O's comments followed a recent Pacific Heads of Health meeting, where discussions centered on advising regional leaders and health ministers. 

The meeting aimed to prioritize health guidance for the upcoming Forum Leaders Meeting and Pacific Ministers of Health meeting next year.

The presence of key donors from Australia and New Zealand at the meeting presented an opportunity for dialogue with Pacific nations on health support and collaboration according to Mrs. Sorensen.

"The biggest outcome is deciding what advice to provide to the forum leaders at the Forum Leaders Meeting and to the Pacific Ministers of Health meeting next year," she said.

"So it takes a while to get that worked out, what are the priorities and what we should be telling the ministers, and other things but that's the major thing from this meeting.

"And then with the donors here, Australia and New Zealand, everyone is here and this is an opportunity for them to talk to our countries."