Recent events in the Pacific Region such as the epidemic measles outbreak in Samoa, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the disastrous Tropical Cyclone Harold which hit four Pacific islands, prompted our region to look beyond business as usual.

While the health of the Pacific people is paramount during these crises, maintaining a cleaner Pacific people in the context of managing waste and controlling pollution is also important to reduce risks of infection from the virus or any other diseases. Improper management of medical wastes and uncontrolled garbage will expose the Pacific community to infectious diseases and impede disaster recovery efforts.