Dubai, UAE – The Republic of Nauru, the world’s smallest island nation, is taking part in World Health Expo, bringing an innovative national vision for healthcare transformation to one of the world’s most influential global health gatherings. Through Nauru Medical Centre (NMC), Nauru is sharing how forward thinking leadership and long term planning can reshape healthcare delivery, regardless of country size.
The Government of Nauru is advancing a comprehensive national healthcare reform focused on building a resilient, modern, and self reliant health system designed for the realities of island and remote communities. Through this reform, Nauru is demonstrating that even with limited resources, small nations can deliver advanced and comprehensive healthcare while becoming a regional leader and shaping new models for island nations and beyond.
The Nauru delegation to World Health Expo includes three senior government officials: the Deputy Minister of Health of Nauru, Mr. Rennier Gadabu; the Secretary of Health, Mrs. Berilyn Jeremiah; and the Director of Medical Services, Dr. Angelique Makutu. Their presence underscores the Government’s strong commitment to healthcare reform, international engagement, and global collaboration. During the Expo, the delegation is strengthening international partnerships, exchanging knowledge with health leaders and institutions, and positioning Nauru as an active contributor to global healthcare dialogue.
At the heart of this transformation is a landmark fifteen year Health Services Management Agreement, establishing a first of its kind public private partnership to support the management of Nauru’s national health system. This long term reform is guided by a regional leadership vision, recognising Nauru’s potential to become a beacon of healthcare excellence in the Central and South Pacific.
As the central pillar of this reform, Nauru Medical Centre plays a critical role in delivering and coordinating national health services. For the first time in the Republic of Nauru’s history, comprehensive national health insurance coverage has been introduced for citizens, expatriates living in Nauru, and visitors to the island. In parallel, NMC is building global partnerships with hospitals, health professionals, and academic institutions to support national capacity building and connect Nauru to international best practice. In its first six months of operation, the Centre has successfully performed over 220 surgeries, a significant milestone in expanding access to advanced surgical care within the island. NMC is supported by a multinational workforce that brings Nauruans and expatriates together to build the national healthcare system. The workforce comprises more than 400 personnel, including 130 expatriates, 41 doctors, and over 120 nursing staff, reflecting a strong commitment to collaboration, skills transfer, and long term sustainability.
