The Pacific Society for Reproductive Health (PSRH) has been a beacon of progress and collaboration since its inception and thrives on the dedication of its leaders, members, and partners. This page honours the visionaries, leaders, and contributors whose dedication has shaped the Society, alongside the milestones that highlight our collective journey in advancing reproductive health across the Pacific.
PSRH Pioneers
PSRH was born from a conversation in 1991 between Dr. Rajat Gyaneshwar, Dr. Brian Spurrett, Dr. Roger Gabb, and Dr. Jeremy Oats. These pioneers recognised the pressing need for regional collaboration to improve reproductive, maternal, and neonatal health in Pacific Island countries. In 1995, their vision became a reality at PSRH’s inaugural meeting in Port Vila, Vanuatu, supported by AusAid and the Fiji School of Medicine. Central to this journey were the guiding principles of inclusivity, empowerment, and collaboration.
PSRH Leadership and Contributions
The PSRH biennial conferences provide a platform to honour individuals who have made significant contributions to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in the Pacific. The prestigious Brian Spurrett Oration (BSO) is a keynote address delivered by distinguished leaders in the field, celebrating advancements and inspiring future progress in SRH. Additionally, PSRH recognises exceptional service through the President’s Medal, which serves as a Life Member Award.
Brian Spurrett Orations
| Year | Orator | Title of Oration |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Professor Rajat Gyaneshwar | Is Safe Motherhood Achievable? |
| 2003 | Dr Mary Schramm | No title provided |
| 2005 | Mrs Kerry Spurrett | The Life of Brian |
| 2007 | Professor Roger Gabb | Professional Development in Academia |
| 2009 | Dr Kenneth Clark | Is There Anyone Out There? |
| 2011 | Professor Ian Rouse | Something Old, New, Borrowed and Blue |
| 2013 | Professor Pat Brodie | Linking, Strengthening and Supporting – Strategies to Enhance Pacific Midwifery and Improve Women’s Health |
| 2015 | Dr Wame Baravilala | The Critical Partnership in Reproductive Health |
| 2017 | Professor Glen Mola | Integrated approach to delivering reproductive health care in Pacific settings |
| 2019 | Professor Caroline Homer | Leave No One Behind – Building Better Systems to Support Women, Children, and the Health Workforce |
| 2022 | Emeritus Professor Rajat Gyaneshwar | PSRH Has Brought Us Together – A Vision Becomes a Reality |
| 2024 | Professor Peter Stone | Making a Difference: We in the PSRH can do it |
President’s Medal Awardees
| Year | Recipents |
|---|---|
| 2011 | Inaugural President’s Medal, Carmel Walker |
| 2015 | Rajat Gyaneshwar, Glen Mola, Wame Baravilala |
| 2017 | John Ah Ching |
| 2019 | Aliote Galuvakadua |
PSRH Leadership
| Year | Leader | Secretariat |
|---|---|---|
| 1993-1995 | Steering Committee for SPROGS: Dr Brian Spurrett, Dr Rajat Gyaneshwar Dr Roger Gabb, Dr Jeremy Oats | Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) - Carmel Walker, Executive Assistant |
| 1995-1999 | Secretary General, SPROGS- Dr Wame Baravilala |
|
| 1999-2003 | Dr Emosi Puni | 1999 - 2005 Fiji School of Medicine (FSM), Suva, Fiji |
| 2003-2007 | Prof Glen Mola | |
| 2007-2011 | Dr Rufina Latu | Office of PSRH President, Fiji |
| 2011-2015 | Dr John Ah Ching | PSRH Secretariat relocated to New Zealand. Head of Secretariat - Dr Alec Ekeroma |
| 2015-2017 | Kathleen Gapirongo | |
| 2017-2019 | Dr Pushpa Nusair | |
| 2019-2021 | Dr Gunzee Gawin | New Zealand, Head of Secretariat - Dr Karaponi Okesene-Gafa |
| 2022-2024 | Dr Kara Okesene-Gafa | New Zealand, Head of Secretariat - Dr Amanda Noovao Hill |
| 2024 - | Dr Ulai Tapa Fidow | |
Impact and Legacy
PSRH has made a lasting impact through initiatives such as the Brian Spurrett Fellowships, which support clinicians through capacity-building programs, and the Pacific Midwifery Leadership Fellowship Program, which empowers midwives to assume leadership roles within their communities. By creating strong professional networks that connect healthcare providers across Pacific systems, PSRH has fostered collaboration and innovation in reproductive health. The Society’s founders and leaders understood that sustainable change lies in empowering local leadership and building enduring partnerships—a legacy that continues to guide PSRH as it tackles future challenges in reproductive health.
