Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health, in partnership with Bank of the South Pacific (BSP), has re-opened the Atiu Dental Clinic and launched the Atiu Ora’anga Tumanava Health Plan 2024+, aiming to improve health outcomes and promote a healthier lifestyle on the island.

Minister of Health Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown joined by the Secretary of Health, Bob Williams, and representatives from BSP landed in Atiu last Wednesday for the re-opening of the Atiu Dental Clinic, the second Baby Teeth Matters Project in the Cook Islands.

In April 2023, TMO signed a three-year Agreement of Cooperation with BSP which led to the establishment of the first Baby Teeth Matters project on Rarotonga.

The project focused on upgrading a dental cubicle for children and new mums, providing a more baby friendly environment for the wider community.

Williams said last week’s event was attended by all leaders of the three pillars on Atiu and key stakeholders to celebrate the re-opening of the dental clinic.

The reopening of the dental clinic was timely as Atiu experiences an increase in visitors and returning families heading into the festive season, he said.

“The refurbished dental clinic aims to provide the people of Atiu an air-conditioned environment for comfort and a TV to help remove fear amongst infants and children when visiting the dental clinic,” Williams said.

“The clinic also provides an in-house accommodation for visiting dentists.”

The Minister and the Secretary acknowledged the kind support from BSP through its community project initiative, alongside TMO staff at the Oral Health Department and the Atiu staff and contractors, for the successful and timely completion of the upgrade.

Minister of Health Vainetutai Rose Toki-Brown, Secretary of Health Bob Williams and representatives from Bank of the South Pacific landed in Atiu last Wednesday for the re-opening of the Atiu Dental Clinic, the second Baby Teeth Matters Project in the Cook Islands. SUPPLIED/24121507

Following the opening, government leaders, traditional chiefs, church leaders, non-government representatives and key community members on Atiu held a workshop on Thursday to finalise the Atiu Ora’anga Tumanava Health Plan 2024+ and establish the Atiu Ora’anga Tumanava Taskforce.

The new Atiu mayor Timaau Mokoroa was elected as chair of the Taskforce to be assisted by Ngamaru Ariki as deputy chair.

Minister Toki-Brown, the Member of Parliament for Teenui and Mapumai, the new mayor Mokoroa, Ngamaru Ariki, Rongomatane Ariki and Father Faustino on behalf of the Religious Advisory Council, signed a letter of commitment for the implementation of the Atiu Ora’anga Tumanava Health Plan 2024+ commencing next year 2025.  

Williams said: “The Taskforce will be responsible for monitoring and reporting the progress on the implementation of the Atiu Health Plan through quarterly written report to the Secretary of Health.”
“Consultation with the community and active participation in meetings, workshops to promote or advocate any part of the Plan in critical. The Taskforce will further provide input into the development of any strategic documents, policies and guidelines relative to the work in promoting the Atiu Healthy and Smoke Free Island activities and preventing, and reducing the rate of non-communicable diseases on Atiu.”

The Atiu Ora’anga Tumanava Plan provides four key strategic action areas:

• strong whole-of-community leadership and governance;
• improved health promotion and prevention initiatives, and health literacy and empowered community;
• effective legislation and policies for safer and healthier community; and
• full access to quality and equitable health services.

“In the Plan, Atiu is still committed to go smoke free by 31^st May 2025, and will continue to uphold the ban on vapes or e-cigarettes which started from 1 August 2024,” Williams added.

“Government, Island or Church functions from January 2025 will only be water and nu only, healthier meal options and alcohol-free functions. The Plan also provides for increased physical activeness amongst the wider community with very strong focus and support to the Healthy School initiative including school and home gardening.

“The current planting programme by the Atiu Island Government is further supported to continue with the focus to increase local production of crops and vegetables for increased healthy meals and nutrition. TMO plans to launch the Atiu Ora’anga Tumanava Initiative with the people of Atiu in early 2025.”