Te Marae Ora, on behalf of the Minister and Secretary of Health would like to express their gratitude towards the private sector support and collaboration established with Bank of the South Pacific (BSP), Cook Islands. As part of the 3 year MOU of co-operation BSP will collaborate with TMO to support the delivery of agreed oral health initiatives to improve the oral health and wellbeing of the children and the wider communities in the Cook Islands. With the objectives to ensure that the oral health program(s) is delivered successfully in a sustainable manner and further to integrate the oral health and wellbeing program(s) into existing model of oral health services/care delivered by TMO to children and adolescents.
The collaborative project for 2023 is distribution of first aid kits to school in Rarotonga and Pa Enua and TMO health facilities. BSP has made 200 first aid kits available for distribution. Schools are where children spend most of their time learning, playing, and making friends. Hence, schools are also a place where children, especially the younger ones, are vulnerable to injuries and illness. This makes first aid care a requirement for teachers and school staff. Teachers and other school personnel can provide prompt first aid care in the absence of health professionals. First aid kits are designed to manage all types of injuries including basic cuts, scrapes and burns. Accidents are unexpected – being prepared can reduce panic and provide the necessary aid.
TMO endeavors to provide better health programs for children and adolescent with its partners and collaborative arrangements in an ongoing basis. TMO is greatly appreciative of the support of BSP in contributing towards improving health and wellbeing of the children in the Cook Islands.
Meitaki Mata
Dr. Kirianu Nio
Acting Director Oral Health