On this page
-
…
About the Polynesian Health Corridors programme
Established in 2020, the Polynesian Health Corridors (PHC) programme is a partnership between New Zealand and six other Pacific countries – the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga and Tuvalu.
The programme aims to strengthen health systems and improve health outcomes for people and communities across the region. The programme focus is guided by common priorities defined by the six countries. Leading the PHC programme is a dedicated team in the Global Health group, within the Public Health Agency of the New Zealand Ministry of Health.
PHC Phase I (2020-2024)
Phase One of the programme primarily focused on supporting PHC’s six partner countries to prepare for, and manage the COVID-19 pandemic. It also included work to develop an 'Access to Essential Medicines' pillar, including oversight of the contract with mSupply, designing a cancer control workstream, and the roll out of mental health surveys in Samoa and Tonga. Among the achievements were:
- improved use of pharmaceutical inventory management software
- delivery of 420,918 COVID-19 vaccines antivirals and 354,255 rapid antigen tests
- providing training that reached 1,953 health workers
- supporting border reopening.
PHC Phase II (2024-2029)
Phase Two of the programme continues to focus on the partner countries' agreed health priorities:
- Access to Essential Medicines
Ensuring access to safe, affordable and effective medicines by improving distribution systems and strengthening the skills of pharmacy personnel. - Health Security
Improving vaccination rates for preventable communicable diseases, preparing for future health emergencies and maintaining readiness to respond to COVID-19. - Non-Communicable Diseases – focusing on mental health and cancer
Understanding their current mental health needs in order to address community risk factors and improve mental health services. Enhancing cancer care through better tracking, pain management and cervical screening programmes.
Funding
The New Zealand Government has allocated $30 million to fund Phase II through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s International Development Cooperation Programme.
Newsletter
Sign up for the PHC progamme newsletter to receive quarterly updates.
Latest newsletters
- PHC Newsletter – April 2026
- PHC Newsletter – December 2025
- PHC Newsletter - September 2025
- PHC newsletter - June 2025
Contact information
For enquiries about the PHC programme, please contact: [email protected]
For general enquiries about New Zealand’s health engagement in the Pacific, please contact: [email protected]
For enquiries related to Pacific Health in New Zealand, please contact: [email protected]
