Pacific Paediatric Association (PPA) was honoured to participate in the 13th Biennial Conference of the Oceania Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Other Childhood-onset Disabilities, held in Hobart, Tasmania (4–7 March 2026) on the traditional lands of the muwinina and palawa people.

The conference theme, “Transforming Care Across Oceans,” reflects the Oceania Academy’s vision of strengthening connections across countries, cultures, and health systems to improve outcomes for children with disabilities and developmental conditions across our region.

We were proud to see Pacific paediatrics represented, with our Pacific Paediatrics Association (PPA) Chair, Dr Ili Tuibeqa, delivering the Opening Plenary Address, highlighting the importance of Pacific leadership, strong child health systems, and equitable partnerships in advancing care for children across the pacific region. Several PPA members also contributed as panelists at the opening plenary, bringing their clinical experience, cultural and community perspectives to the discussions.

We are also grateful that the Oceania Academy awarded 2 scholarships to attend the conference, our PPA members, Dr Miri Tukana-Thaggard and Dr Asena Tuiketei. Dr Eta Raicebe’s abstract was chosen as an oral presentation on strengthening Developmental Paediatrics service delivery in Fiji.

Conversations throughout the conference emphasised the value of collaboration across oceans, culturally grounded approaches to care, and partnerships that support stronger systems for children with cerebral palsy and other childhood-onset disabilities.

Sureni Perera from Frank Hilton Fiji and Vanuatu’s Snr Physiotherapist, Daniel Frankem also shared insights on their local experiences and potential collaborations in a breakfast session.

It was inspiring to see Pacific voices contributing to this important regional dialogue and helping shape the future of child health and disability care across Oceania.

Vinaka vakalevu to the organisers for their support and all who contributed to this meaningful gathering.

From March 4th to 12th, 2025, we ran the second Child Development capacity building trip to Port Vila, Vanuatu along with the Paediatric team at Vila Central Hospital led by Dr Orelly Thyna

The Wesfarmers Centre has established the Deborah Lehmann Research Award in Paediatric Infectious Diseases (DLRA) to acknowledge the significant contribution that Emeritus Clin A/Prof Deborah Lehmann AO has made to paediatric infectious disease research, particularly towards reducing childhood morbidity and mortality rates in Australia and the Pacific Region and capacity building of many young researchers across the infectious diseases field.

To our brothers and sisters and their families in Vanuatu,

On behalf of the Pacific Paediatric Association (PPA), we extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to you during this challenging time. As you care for the children of Vanuatu and navigate the aftermath of the recent earthquakes, please know that we are with you in spirit, standing in solidarity with your strength and resilience.