Washington, D.C. — The role of the Pacific healthcare initiative in U.S. considerations of diplomatic endeavors in the Pacific region is examined in an article by the Center for Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Studies.

 “American Samoa, and in this case many others of the Pacific Islands, face substantial geographic and economic challenges, especially in the field of health care,” said Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata. “In the vast Pacific, even nearby neighbors are accessible only by a flight or ocean-capable ferry. Health care throughout the region presents obvious challenges, and while there is no easy solution, a future can be envisioned of regional hub facilities backed by excellent telehealth capabilities. I have high hopes for the future of American Samoa’s health capabilities, and the U.S. has an interest in healthcare efforts throughout the region as part of U.S. commitments to facilitate partnerships.

“As it happens, each of my three congressional committees includes aspects of these discussions through the Foreign Affairs Committee, the Natural Resources Committee encompassing policy for the Freely Associated States and three U.S. Territories in the Pacific, and the Veterans’ Affairs Committee serving our many island U.S. Veterans as they seek to access their U.S. care and benefits despite not living near VA hospitals. I look forward to continuing discussions about these important issues and ongoing efforts to show U.S. commitment to the Pacific and our unending commitment to our U.S. Veterans everywhere.”

The article titled “The Pacific Islands Health Care Initiative – Redefining US Diplomacy in the Pacific Islands as Bold, Benevolent and Innovative” examining the U.S. approach on these topics was developed by the Center for Australian, New Zealand and Pacific Studies (CANZPS), which is part of the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.