Policy Forum Pod

On this episode, we speak with The Australian National University’s Meg Keen, Henry Ivarature, and Nicole Haley about the successes and struggles in the Pacific Island region as it manages the coronavirus crisis.Despite so far avoiding widespread COVID-19 infections, the risk of a major outbreak in the Pacific Island region remains real while the virus continues to wreak havoc around the world. In addition to the ongoing health threat, the region is dealing with the devastating economic impacts of the pandemic. With tourism representing a major component of the regional economy prior to the crisis, how are governments and donors in the region supporting people now out of work? What impact has the crisis had on policymakers’ ability to address other challenges in the region, like the deadly rise of non-communicable diseases? And is Australia delivering on its promised ‘step-up’? On this episode of Policy Forum Pod, we chat with Professor Meg Keen, Dr Henry Ivarature, and Associate Professor Nicole Haley about