Our work in New Caledonia

The Pacific Islands–WHO Multi-country Cooperation Strategy 2024–2029, or MCCS, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) through a consultative process involving 21 Pacific Island countries and areas (PICs), outlines WHO’s comprehensive and tailored medium-term support plan in the Pacific. This summary provides an overview of the MCCS, highlighting its alignment with regional and global health strategies.

The complex geography of New Caledonia’s scattered islands presents obstacles in delivering health services to all communities, especially remote inland and isolated villages. Bridging the last mile of health-care service delivery requires innovative approaches to extend quality care beyond urban centres and overcome barriers faced by marginalized populations like the indigenous Kanak. Key priorities are developing localized prevention and screening programmes to combat high rates of NCDs, investing in telehealth capabilities, training community health workers, and upgrading rural clinics and equipment to create a more equitable, resilient healthcare system across the archipelago. A focus on accessible primary care and health education aims to improve outcomes and life expectancy among disadvantaged groups.