“We have to work together” – Pacific leadership unified in current crisis
via Pasifika Medical Association Group
Collective responsibility between different organisations and Pacific providers is the thread that binds them together as Pacific communities continue to be the worst affected by New Zealand’s current Covid-19 Delta outbreak.
Amidst concerns around the Government’s response to the needs of Pacific communities during this current Covid-19 crisis, several Pacific leaders say it highlights the importance of working together to address the needs of the Pacific community.
Director of Pacific Health at the Ministry of Health (MoH), Gerardine Clifford-Lidstone, says her relationship with Pasifika Futures (PFL) allows for a better understanding of the communities needs.
“Pasifika Futures have access to the Pacific communities and so we get a holistic picture of what’s going on and are able to provide services to what people need on the ground.
I hear the concerns of our community and we try our best to meet those needs, but it can’t be done alone. We have to work together.”
Director of Strategy for the Auckland District Health Board (ADHB), Meg Poutasi, says the relationship with Pacific partners is crucial during this time of uncertainty and heightened anxiety.
“Partners are the people you rely on in times of challenge and emergency. Having well established relationships makes everything move faster. Poutasi says that being responsive to the needs of Pacific families can only be achieved through partnerships.
“We’ve partnered with Pasifika Futures to ensure there's a response for the immediate needs of families. We’re able to really deliver for Pacific communities and focus on what’s important for
families.”
This strong sense of partnership and cooperation is echoed by PFL and Pasifika Medical Association (PMA) CEO Debbie Sorensen who acknowledges the leadership shown by the Ministry of Health and Auckland District Health Board during this crisis period.
“Geraldine’s leadership and coordination with us and other key Pacific partners has ensured that we remain united and focused on addressing the challenges of this current outbreak.
Meg and her team are also in frequent contact with us and together, all of us work collaboratively to make decisions on key actions that impact our Pacific families immediately and effectively. As a community, working together for a common goal or purpose is natural for us. This collective drive will mean our families will stay safe while still connected”.
