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This significant gathering brought together representatives from more than 15 like-minded allied and partner nations, and included international organizations and non-governmental organizations, to enhance collective readiness against health security threats.
The event facilitated improved coordination and collaboration between military and civilian sectors, which is essential for robust planning and preparedness. This collaboration strengthens the ability to prevent, detect, and respond to health security threats, thereby protecting lives, economies, sovereignty, and national security.
This multilateral, multisectoral event in celebration of its 50 years of independence. The IPhsa event saw participation from more than 150 participants representing countries including: Australia, Fiji, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Tonga, Vietnam, and the United States.
Key speakers included Papua New Guinea Defence Force Lt. Col. Peter Kaminiel, PNGDF Director of Health Services; Royal Australian Air Force Air Commodore Nicole dos Santos, RAAF Director General Operational Health and Air Force Health Service; and U.S. Navy Capt. Peter Roberts, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Command Surgeon. Together, they emphasized the importance of enhancing civil-military cooperation and sustaining health security partnerships to foster a prepared and resilient Indo-Pacific region.
During the IPhsa meeting, participants engaged in discussions and conducted a multinational exercise designed to improve coordinated responses to public health emergencies. This exercise focused on clarifying roles and responsibilities, critical coordination processes, and resource contributions during disaster and health emergencies. It also emphasized rapid personnel deployment and the integration of interagency coordination into emergency plans for more effective responses. Each participant returned home with actionable recommendations derived from the exercise.
Founded in 2022, IPhsa has demonstrated the power of collaboration in addressing health security challenges. The ADF and USINDOPACOM have worked closely with regional partners to develop this alliance, learning from each partner nation’s best practices to address shared needs and gaps. IPhsa has co-hosted seven events in the region and virtually, promoting partnership and collaboration in developing country-owned health security capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
The IPhsa enhances health security across the region through collaboration between civilian and military sectors. The alliance aims to mitigate health threats and strengthen resilience by improving the capacity of both civilian and military entities. Ultimately, IPhsa aims to foster partnerships, counter harmful influences and enhance readiness, contributing to peace, security, and prosperity in a free and open Indo-Pacific.