Pacific health ministers tackle key priorities towards a healthier future for the Pacific region
Manila, PHILIPPINES — Pacific Health Ministers launched their shared vision to address interwoven health challenges and work towards a healthier and more equitable Pacific region.


![American Samoa Department of Education (ASDOE) celebrates groundbreaking of the new School Lunch Program Warehouse located behind the territory’s prison. This facility, the government says will enhance the capacity to store and distribute nutritious meals to students across the territory, ensuring that all children have access to healthy food. [courtesy photo] GROUNDBREAKING](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/school_lunch_warehouse_groundbreaking.jpg?itok=ZXVVBKAl)
![According to the report, "females of Māori and Pacific ethnicity may be disproportionately impacted by historic and current risk factors including racism, socio-economic disadvantage, trauma, discrimination, and cultural disconnection." Dikstaal said "this may influence alcohol motivations, consumption, and suicidal behavior. [Photo: Pixabay via RNZ] wine being poured into a glass](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/wine_in_a_glass_copy.jpg?itok=abx910Dw)






![Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2024 (CHOGM) will take place in Apia, Samoa from October 21- 26, 2024. An estimated 6,000 people are expected to arrive in Samoa for the event, including royal dignitaries, government officials, media, security and youth leaders. It will be the first time CHOGM will be held in a Small Island Developing State from the Blue Pacific. [Photo: Facebook / Samoa CHOGM 2024] SAMOA govt building](https://samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/chogm_samoa_jpg.jpeg?itok=IwMOBp5c)