Exploring the Concept of Healthy Islands: Learning Public Health Administration in the Pacific Islands
As part of its commitment to expanding global perspectives in the field of public health, the Faculty of Public Health (FKM), Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) held an international guest lecture on the theme “Public Health Administration in Pacific Island Countries.” The event featured Dr. Shubham Pathak, Assistant Professor and Assistant Dean for International Affairs at the School of Accountancy and Finance (SAFE), Walailak University (WU), Thailand, who shared insights on how health systems in the Pacific Islands region are developed and implemented amid unique geographical and social challenges.
The event took place on 7 October 2025 at 1:30 PM CIT in the Kandow Room on the 2nd floor of FKM UNHAS, and was also broadcast online via Zoom Meeting. In his opening remarks, the Dean of FKM UNHAS, Prof. Sukri Palutturi, SKM., M.Kes., MSc.PH., Ph.D., stated that such activities serve as an important platform for students to understand various health policy models from around the world. “International forums such as this broaden our understanding of how cultural and geographical factors shape healthcare approaches in each country,” said Prof. Sukri. The session was moderated by Prof. Anwar, SKM., M.Sc., Ph.D., who led the event in an interactive style. Active participation from students and lecturers was evident from the start, especially during the question-and-answer session, where various questions were asked about strategies for strengthening public health in the archipelago.
\In his presentation, Dr. Shubham Pathak recounted the emergence of the Healthy Islands concept, which became an important milestone in health development in Pacific countries. He explained that the concept originated from a meeting of Health Ministers in Fiji in 1995, who agreed on the need for a shared vision in strengthening public health systems. “The Healthy Islands concept is a shared vision to protect and promote health across all Pacific island nations,” explained Dr. Shubham. He emphasized that the concept places human health on par with nature conservation and local values. “Through this concept, Pacific countries are working to strengthen leadership, governance, and accountability in health systems so that implementation is equitable in both urban and rural areas,” he continued.
Dr. Shubham further explained that the main mission of the Healthy Islands initiative is to ensure that every community can live in a healthy, safe environment that supports their well-being. “This movement emphasizes the development of a healthy generation, both physically and mentally, by reducing disease and premature death through prevention efforts,” he said. He also highlighted developments in the health sector in the Pacific region since the implementation of the concept. Various health indicators have shown significant improvements, such as increased life expectancy and decreased mortality rates. According to him, several Pacific countries have also demonstrated a strong commitment to controlling health risk factors.
However, Dr. Shubham noted that behind these achievements, there are still major challenges that must be addressed. The Pacific region, consisting of many small islands scattered across a vast area, faces significant geographical barriers that make it difficult to provide equitable health services. Limited transportation access to remote areas further complicates healthcare delivery, while health infrastructure in many islands remains inadequate in terms of facilities and medical personnel. As a result, people in remote areas often do not receive sufficient healthcare services.
He also discussed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has worsened the condition of the health system in the region. The pandemic led to a reduction in foreign funding support and increased economic pressure, which in turn affected the capacity and resilience of health workers. Despite these challenges, the Healthy Islands concept continues to serve as a strong foundation for collaborative and sustainable health development across the Pacific.
Participants of the guest lecture expressed that the activity opened up new insights into the importance of a cross-cultural approach in building a sustainable health system. They said they were inspired by the experiences of Pacific countries in maintaining a balance between human health, the environment, and local values. For students, the session provided a valuable learning experience that enriched their understanding of how the Healthy Islands concept can be adapted and applied within the Indonesian context.
