Pacific Pathology Training Centre-PPTC

Congratulations to Our Pacific Blood Transfusion Science Graduates.

The Pacific Pathology Training Centre-PPTC is proud to congratulate four outstanding Pacific laboratory professionals who successfully completed the 4 weeks Blood Transfusion Science Course from the 8th of June to the 3rd of July 2026:

🇹🇴 Feofaaki Latu – Tonga
🇻🇺 Pina Sam – Vanuatu
🇹🇻 Salafuga Tailoa – Tuvalu
🇫🇯 Shalni Narayan – Fiji

Their successful completion of this course is a testament to their commitment to professional growth and to strengthening transfusion services for the communities they serve in their home country laboratories.

The PPTC would like to sincerely acknowledge the generous support of the New Zealand Red Cross organisation, the Norman Kirk Memorial Trust, and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for providing scholarship opportunities that enable Pacific laboratory professionals to participate in specialised training and capacity-building programmes.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the New Zealand Blood Service for its’ ongoing partnership and unwavering support in advancing transfusion science education and workforce development throughout the Pacific.

Through collaboration and investment in education, we continue to strengthen Medical laboratory services and improve health outcomes for Pacific communities.

👏 Please join us in celebrating Feofaaki, Pina, Salafuga, and Shalni on this significant milestone. We wish them every success as they continue to make valuable contributions to laboratory medicine and transfusion services in the Pacific.

🎓🩸🌺

The Norman Kirk Memorial Trust has been involved with the Pacific Pathology Training Centre-PPTC since 2003. During that time this partnership has enabled a Pacific Island student to travel to Wellington and participate in specialist courses.

The PPTC is truly appreciative of the Trust’s commitment to strengthening medical laboratory capacity across the region.

The PPTC was established in 1980, primarily to provide training and assistance in the Medical Laboratory Sciences. PPTC also provides developmental assistance for clinical laboratories and blood transfusion services for Pacific Island countries and South East Asia.

24 July 2026

STRENGTHENING HISTOPATHOLOGY SERVICES IN SAMOA
The Pacific Pathology Training Centre-PPTC is pleased to have supported Samoa in the successful acquisition and handover of a new, fully automated Tissue Processor for the Clinical Laboratory at Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital.

The Ministry of Health Samoa has officially received a new, fully automated Tissue Processor for its Clinical Laboratory, made possible through the partnership between the Pacific Pathology Training Centre (PPTC) and the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade(NZMFAT).

The Tissue Processor is a critical component of histopathology services, enabling the preparation of tissue specimens for the diagnosis of cancer and a range of other diseases. The new automated system will enhance the quality and consistency of tissue processing, improve turnaround times, and provide a safer working environment for laboratory staff.
Pathology services in Samoa have faced significant challenges since the breakdown of the previous tissue processor in October 2025. The loss of this essential equipment disrupted laboratory operations, placed considerable pressure on staff, and most importantly, affected patients awaiting cancer diagnoses and treatment decisions.

In response, the Ministry of Health sought support from its development partners and the PPTC, through our partnership with NZMFAT we are delighted to see this collaboration result in the successful delivery of a modern, fully automated tissue processor equipped with advanced technology that will strengthen diagnostic services for years to come.

This equipment includes the complete state-of-the-art system, along with a one-year service agreement and warranty to ensure ongoing technical support during the initial phase of operation.

The official handover ceremony was facilitated by the Deputy Director General for Clinical and Hospital Services, Ms Safaato’a Fereti, who delivered the welcoming remarks. PPTC Chief Executive Officer, Mr Philip Wakem, then provided the official handover address. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was jointly conducted by Mr Wakem and the Director General of Health, Ms June Scanlan-Lui, who also delivered the Ministry of Health’s Vote of Thanks.

PPTC is honoured to work alongside the Ministry of Health Samoa, and the Kirby Institute in supporting the restoration of this vital diagnostic service.

This investment represents a significant advancement for Samoa’s pathology capability and will help ensure more timely, reliable diagnoses and improved patient care outcomes.

Strengthening pathology. Supporting laboratories. Improving health outcomes across the Pacific. 🌏🔬🇼🇸

08 July 2026

PPTC Hosts Tuvalu Delegation Visit

The Pacific Pathology Training Centre (PPTC) had the honour of hosting a distinguished delegation from Tuvalu, led by the Minister for Health and Social Services, Hon. Tuafafa Latasi.

The visit also included the Permanent Secretary for Health, the Tuvalu High Commissioner to New Zealand, and the First Secretary, whose presence highlighted the strong partnership between Tuvalu and the PPTC.

We extend our sincere thanks to officials from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) for supporting this important visit. The PPTC deeply appreciates Tuvalu’s recognition of our ongoing work to strengthen Medical Laboratory services and build capacity across the region and this visit reflects Tuvalu’s strong commitment to advancing laboratory services and acknowledges the impact of the PPTC’s work in the country.

We look forward to continuing this meaningful collaboration for the benefit of health systems in Tuvalu and the wider Pacific.

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Tuvalu Department of Health
Department of Foreign Affairs - Government of Tuvalu
Tuvalu Government Media

🌏 Strengthening Quality in Pacific Medical Laboratories
PPTC Laboratory Quality Management Course | 27 April – 22 May 2026

Over the past four weeks, the Pacific Pathology Training Centre (PPTC) was proud to host five scholars from across the Pacific region for our 2026 Laboratory Quality Management (LQMS) Course, delivered at the Wellington Hospital campus.

Throughout the programme, scholars gained a solid grounding in the fundamentals of LQMS, including quality essentials, internal audits, document control, non‑conformance management, and continuous improvement. Importantly, they explored how LQMS extends far beyond laboratory walls, as it is essentially a core pillar of the entire health system.

By understanding how quality processes ensure accurate diagnostics, support clinical decision‑making, strengthen surveillance, and safeguard patient outcomes, participants developed a holistic appreciation of how laboratory quality directly influences national health resilience. Building LQMS capacity in the Pacific is a vital step toward stronger, safer, and more reliable healthcare systems.

We are proud to acknowledge the dedication and leadership of this year’s scholars:

1. James Heine – Federated States of Micronesia, Chuuk Department of Health

2. Susan Sewen – Vanuatu

3. Sylvester Ruethin – Federated States of Micronesia, Yap Department of Health

4. Taupesa Taumoeanga – Tuvalu

5. Touakai Kambati – Kiribati

Their commitment reflects the ongoing regional effort to strengthen laboratory services and improve health outcomes for Pacific communities.

Congratulations to all our scholars , we look forward to seeing the impact you will make in your home country laboratory and across the region. 🌺🔬

Celebrating Pacific Leadership in Laboratory Quality

We proudly congratulate Joseph Mun Reddy (Fiji's National Diagnostic Lead) for leading Fiji to a historic milestone with the successful dispatch of the country’s first national Quality Assurance (QA) panel for HIV and STI diagnostics.

This achievement is a strong reflection of the impact of the work that continues to be carried out by PPTC. After completing the Laboratory Quality Management course and Extended Quality Assurance training in 2024, Joseph applied the skills and knowledge gained to design and establish Fiji’s national EQA framework ; a system that will now strengthen diagnostic quality across laboratories and Sexual Reproductive Health facilities nationwide.

The PPTC’s long-standing commitment to building laboratory capacity across the Pacific continues to deliver real, measurable improvements and Joseph’s success demonstrates how high‑quality regional training empowers Pacific health leaders to elevate standards, innovate, and improve diagnostic reliability for communities across the region.

Vinaka vakalevu, Joseph Mun Reddy. Your leadership and dedication are making a meaningful difference for Fiji and the wider Pacific.

Published with permission.

In case you may be still wondering if our courses are still available ?

YES IT IS.

The 1st Haematology course has completed and the Laboratory Quality Management Course is currently wrapping up.

We still have 4 more courses available for this year:

Blood Transfusion Science : 8th June - 3rd July (4 weeks)

Clinical Biochemistry : 13th Jul - 7th August (4 weeks)

Medical Microbiology: 7th September - 2nd October (4 weeks)

Haematology Course: 26th October - 4th December (6 weeks)

All our Wellington-based courses are NZQA accredited and designed to provide high quality, reputable training that strengthens diagnostic pathology services across the Pacific region.

Please be advised that PPTC no longer receives funding to give out scholarships. If you wish to apply for a NZ short term training scholarship, please visit this website more for information: https://www.nzscholarships.govt.nz/vocational-short-term-scholarships/ and if you wish to make inquiries, please contact your local New Zealand Consulate office.

For further information please contact the PPTC Education Programme Manager on:
Pacific Pathology Training Centre
[email protected] | [email protected]
www.pptc.org.nz
+64 4 389 6294

✨ Centre-Based Course Programme 2026 ✨

Haematology Course Completion:

From the 23 February to the 2 April 2026, three dedicated students from the Pacific successfully completed an intensive six-week Haematology Course, demonstrating commitment, perseverance, and a passion for excellence in laboratory science.

🌍 Our Course Participants were:

🔹 Vaimaila Teitala�Princess Margaret Hospital Laboratory, Tuvalu

🔹 Matthew Thingag�Yap State Department of Health Services Laboratory, FSM.

🔹 Karmi Soar�Pohnpei State Department of Health Services Laboratory, FSM.

The Pacific Pathology Training Centre (PPTC) proudly congratulates these three outstanding graduates on a job well done. Your hard work, dedication and determination have made this journey a true success.

Remember: “Do not do your best alone, but help others to do their best with you.”

👏🎓

Level Up Your Skills in New Zealand 🥳

The Manaaki New Zealand Vocational Short-Term Training Scholarships (VSTTS) Round 1 for 2026 is now accepting applications!

This is your chance to gain hands-on training or workplace experience in New Zealand fully supported with:

✔️ tuition,
✔️airfare,
✔️accommodation,
✔️and a living stipend

🗓 Application period: 12th April 2026 – 30th April 2026

✍️How to apply:

🔗 https://apps.docusign.com/webforms/au/1b281749c6caa0ea9f0ddedb789e3f4a

For more information:
📧 [email protected].
☎️ (+676) 23122 ext. 103

Don’t miss this chance to gain skills, experience, and make a difference in Tonga!