Pacific Health School Network Convenes in Wallis and Futuna for Key Conference

International Delegation Gathers in Wallis and Futuna

An international delegation representing the École en Santé du Pacifique (Healthy Pacific Schools Network) has commenced its conference in Wallis and Futuna. The significant gathering, scheduled from December 1st to 6th, 2025, brings together health and education professionals from across the Pacific to address critical issues concerning student well-being. The primary objectives of the meeting include reviewing past actions, exchanging best practices, and collaboratively planning future projects to enhance health outcomes for students in the region.

The Healthy Pacific Schools Network: A Collaborative Initiative

The Healthy Pacific Schools Network, known in French as the Réseau Écoles en Santé du Pacifique, was established in June 2023 during a foundational meeting held in Tahiti. This initiative brought together representatives from the health and education sectors of several Pacific nations and territories, including the Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Wallis and Futuna, Niue, Vanuatu, and French Polynesia. The network's core mission is to promote the 'healthy schools' concept, which aligns with the broader 'Healthy Islands' vision first articulated in 1996. This concept advocates for schools to be environments that foster good health, integrating health education as a fundamental part of the learning process.

Focus on Student Well-being and Best Practices

A central tenet of the network's work, and a key focus of the current conference, is the promotion of health among children within the school setting. The network aims to facilitate the sharing of experiences, successful strategies, and challenges encountered by member countries in implementing health-promoting initiatives. This collaborative approach seeks to strengthen the ties between schools and health promotion services across the region, while also identifying specific needs on the ground and developing tailored solutions. The network also maintains a collaborative online platform, healthy-pacific-schools.com, to further facilitate the exchange of resources and information.

Wallis and Futuna's Role in Regional Health Initiatives

As a founding member of the Healthy Pacific Schools Network, Wallis and Futuna plays an active role in regional health education efforts. The territory has been involved in specific projects, such as the NumériS@nté project, which focuses on developing educational programs in schools to promote balanced nutrition and physical activity. This local initiative aims to address issues like childhood obesity through innovative digital tools adapted to the island context. The current conference underscores Wallis and Futuna's commitment to improving student health and its dedication to regional collaboration in this vital area.

Strengthening Future Health Projects

The week-long conference in Wallis and Futuna is expected to lay the groundwork for future projects and reinforce the collaborative framework of the École en Santé du Pacifique. By fostering dialogue and sharing expertise, the international delegation aims to develop actionable plans that will contribute to the long-term well-being of students across the Pacific Islands, ensuring that health remains a central focus in educational environments.