Revitalising Health Services in the Cook Islands: A Strategic Approach

The challenge

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted global health systems, and the Cook Islands was no exception. Te Marae Ora (TMO), the Ministry of Health for the Cook Islands, recognised the need to re-evaluate its National Health Strategic Plan post-pandemic. In 2023, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the ministry embarked on a comprehensive assessment and strategic revision to enhance health services over the next five years. The Cook Islands faced several challenges: limited resources, human resource gaps, and the logistical difficulties of delivering services across remote islands.

What we did

• Future Partners Associate Dr David Angelson joined the Prime Consulting team to review the 2017-2021 National Health Strategic Plan and develop the new plan covering 2023-2027.
• Policy and Planning :: A thorough review of the 2017-2021 National Health Strategic Plan.
• Policy and Planning :: Regular updates to management policies.
• Policy and Planning :: Development of service plans under the new National Health Strategic Plan 2023+.
• Capacity Building :: Training programmes focused on digital screening tools.
• Capacity Building :: Biennial health checks in schools.
• Capacity Building :: Maintaining high immunisation rates and effective post-natal care.
• Infrastructure and Community Outreach :: Upgrading health clinics and sanitation facilities.
• Infrastructure and Community Outreach :: Offering mental health services via telemedicine.
• Infrastructure and Community Outreach :: Promoting healthy lifestyles through community classes.

Outcomes