The former Minister of Health in Tonga who was appointed to the World Health Organisation as the Regional Director for the Western Pacific earlier this year, will attend a seminar this week as part of his visit to Auckland.
Dr Saia Piukala has long been recognised as a champion for initiatives on chronic diseases, safe surgery and disaster response.
The Tongan surgeon is understood to be the first Pacific person to be appointed to the role for the Western Pacific region, which spans 37 countries and 1.8 billion people.
Associate Professor of population health at University of Auckland Sir Collin Tukuitonga says, it was a great honour for the University to be hosting Dr Piukala this week on Wednesday 17 July at the Fale Pasifika. The Regional Director will talk about his vision for the region.
“It is indeed a great honour for the University to host the Regional Director, especially given his brief visit. He has only just begun in his role, so it is also significant for the country that Dr Piukala will be here on the ground,” says Sir Collin.
Dr Piukala has begun touring some of the 37 countries and areas in the Western Pacific Region, to meet with governments and other stakeholders about issues that critically impact health in those nations, while exploring areas for increased collaboration.
