Fiji, May 21 -- World Health Organisation (WHO) Western Pacific regional director Dr Saia Ma'u Piukala has called for urgent investment in digital health and artificial intelligence to close healthcare gaps facing small island nations, saying geography should no longer determine access to medical care.

Speaking at a World Health Assembly (WHA) side event in Geneva focused on healthcare in small states, Dr Piukala said too many Pacific people were still forced to travel overseas for specialist treatment because of where they live.

"There's a simple truth that small island developing states in the WHO Western Pacific region understand deeply: geography should never be destiny," Dr Piukala said.

The event was co-organised by Malta, Seyche...