By: L.N. Reklai
Koror, Palau — As more than 2,000 athletes, officials and spectators prepare to arrive in Palau for the 2025 Pacific Mini Games, the Ministry of Health and Human Services (MHHS) is mobilizing internal and external resources to ensure that healthcare services for both visitors and residents remain uninterrupted.
Described as potentially the largest regional event ever hosted by Palau, the Games will require substantial coordination and staffing across multiple venues. MHHS Administrator Antonette Merur said the ministry has finalized its Medical Coverage Plan and activated its Emergency Response Operation to meet the increased demand.
“We want to ensure that while we are supporting the Mini Games, our regular health services and clinics continue to operate as usual,” said Merur.
To supplement its limited local resources, MHHS has reached out to international and regional partners for support. These include Shin Kong Hospital of Taiwan, the Pacific Islands Health Officers Association (PIHOA), the U.S. Marines and sailors of the Koa Moana Task Force, the U.S. Civic Action Team (CAT Team), and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation (CHC) of the Northern Mariana Islands. The collaboration aims to bring in additional medical personnel and technical support.
Each sporting venue will have a designated medical team on standby, and two polyclinics will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily throughout the event. In addition, two mobile clinics—each staffed with a doctor and nurse—will rotate between venues to provide onsite care.
Athletes will also receive emergency hotline numbers and QR codes linking to health information for immediate access to medical assistance.
To enhance athlete protection, each country’s delegation will include a safeguarding officer—personnel trained to handle reports of abuse or harm. This added measure is especially crucial as nearly half of the participating athletes are under 19 years of age.
The 10-day event is expected to draw significant attention from across the Pacific region, and MHHS emphasizes that the health and safety of all participants, as well as the local community, remain a top priority.