Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala
World Health Organization
About
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala
WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific
Background:
We are pleased to announce Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, World Health Organization Regional Director for the Western Pacific, as a keynote speaker at our upcoming Pacific Academy of Sciences Inaugural Congress 2026, to be held 16–18 February 2026 in Apia, Samoa at Taumeasina Island Resort.
Dr Piukala is the first Pacific Islander to serve as WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. A surgeon, public health leader, and former Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Tonga, he brings nearly three decades of experience working across the Pacific region.
His leadership has advanced multisectoral action on noncommunicable diseases, universal health coverage, climate and health, infectious disease preparedness, youth health, tobacco control, safe surgery, and disaster preparedness and response.
Dr Piukala’s keynote will contribute to the Congress theme, Harnessing the Knowledge of the Pacific, and help frame regional dialogue on science, health, and resilience.
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala
World Health Organization
About
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala
WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific
Background:
We are pleased to announce Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, World Health Organization Regional Director for the Western Pacific, as a keynote speaker at our upcoming Pacific Academy of Sciences Inaugural Congress 2026, to be held 16–18 February 2026 in Apia, Samoa at Taumeasina Island Resort.
Dr Piukala is the first Pacific Islander to serve as WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. A surgeon, public health leader, and former Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Tonga, he brings nearly three decades of experience working across the Pacific region.
His leadership has advanced multisectoral action on noncommunicable diseases, universal health coverage, climate and health, infectious disease preparedness, youth health, tobacco control, safe surgery, and disaster preparedness and response.
Dr Piukala’s keynote will contribute to the Congress theme, Harnessing the Knowledge of the Pacific, and help frame regional dialogue on science, health, and resilience.
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala
World Health Organization
About
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala
WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific
Background:
We are pleased to announce Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, World Health Organization Regional Director for the Western Pacific, as a keynote speaker at our upcoming Pacific Academy of Sciences Inaugural Congress 2026, to be held 16–18 February 2026 in Apia, Samoa at Taumeasina Island Resort.
Dr Piukala is the first Pacific Islander to serve as WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. A surgeon, public health leader, and former Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Tonga, he brings nearly three decades of experience working across the Pacific region.
His leadership has advanced multisectoral action on noncommunicable diseases, universal health coverage, climate and health, infectious disease preparedness, youth health, tobacco control, safe surgery, and disaster preparedness and response.
Dr Piukala’s keynote will contribute to the Congress theme, Harnessing the Knowledge of the Pacific, and help frame regional dialogue on science, health, and resilience.
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala
World Health Organization
About
Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala
WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific
Background:
We are pleased to announce Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, World Health Organization Regional Director for the Western Pacific, as a keynote speaker at our upcoming Pacific Academy of Sciences Inaugural Congress 2026, to be held 16–18 February 2026 in Apia, Samoa at Taumeasina Island Resort.
Dr Piukala is the first Pacific Islander to serve as WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. A surgeon, public health leader, and former Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Tonga, he brings nearly three decades of experience working across the Pacific region.
His leadership has advanced multisectoral action on noncommunicable diseases, universal health coverage, climate and health, infectious disease preparedness, youth health, tobacco control, safe surgery, and disaster preparedness and response.
Dr Piukala’s keynote will contribute to the Congress theme, Harnessing the Knowledge of the Pacific, and help frame regional dialogue on science, health, and resilience.