Symposium looks to improve Māori and Pacific health outcomes

Health leaders, researchers, clinicians and community advocates from across the Pacific, Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia and the United States have gathered in Apia, Sāmoa for an inaugural symposium focused on advancing precision medicine for Māori and Pacific peoples.

The Indigenous Precision Medicine Symposium: ‘Fonotaga Fa’asaenisi mo Togafitiga Talafeagai mo Tagata Polenisia’ (Polynesian Precision Medicine Symposium), runs from 29 to 31 July in Apia, Sāmoa.

It brings together around 100 attendees to explore how emerging advances in genomics and precision medicine can be developed in ways that are equitable, culturally grounded and responsive to Indigenous communities.

Precision medicine is an approach using a patient's genetic profile to choose the most effective treatment.

Co-convened by Dr Natalie Netzler from Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, Asiata Professor Satupaitea Viali from Oceania University of Medicine, and Professor Peter Shepherd from the University of Auckland, the event is believed to be the first symposium of its kind dedicated entirely to Māori and Pacific health advancement through precision medicine.

Dr Netzler says the symposium comes at a critical time as health systems worldwide increasingly adopt personalised approaches to diagnosis, treatment and disease prevention.

"Precision medicine has the potential to transform healthcare by ensuring people receive the right medicine, at the right dose and at the right time," says Netzler.

"However, Indigenous peoples, including Māori and Pacific communities, have historically been excluded from genetics and genomics research. As precision medicine becomes embedded in healthcare, there is a real risk that existing health inequities could widen if our populations continue to be left out."

The symposium will examine both the opportunities and challenges associated with precision medicine, including Indigenous data sovereignty, ethical governance, community engagement, participant protection, data storage, and the sharing of research findings with communities.

"We know that increasing Indigenous participation in research is important, but it must be done in ways that uphold community values, aspirations and rights," says Netzler.

"Questions around who controls data, how it is stored, who has access to it and how benefits are shared are critically important. Precision medicine cannot succeed for Indigenous communities without Indigenous leadership and governance."

The event has received significant support from the Maurice Wilkins Centre, enabling participants from Sāmoa to attend free of charge and helping ensure strong local engagement.

"The generosity of the Maurice Wilkins Centre has allowed us to remove financial barriers for local attendees," says Netzler.

"We want these conversations to be shaped by the communities most affected by the outcomes."

The symposium will be officially opened by Sāmoa's Prime Minister and Minister of Health, Hon. Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt.

Over three days, attendees will participate in expert panels, presentations and collaborative discussions focused on translating precision medicine research into clinical practice while safeguarding Indigenous knowledge and interests.

Professor Peter Shepherd says the symposium reflects a growing commitment among researchers to ensure scientific advances deliver benefits for everyone.

"Precision medicine is advancing rapidly across the world, but unless we actively address inequities in research participation, many Indigenous populations will miss out on these developments," says Shepherd.

"This symposium provides an important opportunity for researchers, clinicians and communities to work together to create models that are effective, ethical and equitable."

Asiata Professor Satupaitea Viali says hosting the event in Sāmoa is especially significant.

"Pacific peoples must be active participants in shaping the future of healthcare research rather than simply being recipients of decisions made elsewhere," says Viali.

Training more Pacific scientists in the Pacific and New Zealand, will ensure that Precision Medicine benefits extend to the Pacific Communities in in the Pacific and Aotearoa.

"Bringing together leaders from across the region allows us to share perspectives, build relationships and develop approaches that genuinely reflect Pacific priorities and values."

Organisers hope the symposium will build on strong foundations for ongoing collaboration across the region and help ensure Māori and Pacific communities are not left behind as precision medicine becomes an increasingly important part of healthcare systems worldwide.

"This symposium is ultimately about creating a future where Māori and Pacific peoples can benefit from scientific advances in ways that are safe, equitable and culturally appropriate," says Netzler.

"By bringing together researchers, clinicians, policymakers and communities, we can begin building that future together."