Why did a small island state do so well? The Cook Islands’ Government response to COVID-19
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Keywords
COVID-19, Pandemic, Cook Islands, Pacific, Small Island Developing States, Health Response
Abstract
Perceived vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States create a dialogue of smallness and susceptibility to the negative impacts of disasters such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cook Islands’ response to COVID-19 stands out as a success story of resilience against implied vulnerability. Modelling showed the Cook Islands was expected to have hundreds of hospitalisations and tens of deaths, a relatively small but potentially significant burden on the small state. To date, the country has experienced five hospitalisations and two deaths. A combination of measures that relied on preparedness, self-reliance and collaboration enabled this small island state to beat the odds and come through the COVID-19 crisis relatively unscathed.
References
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Metua Bates, Te Marae Ora, Cook Islands Ministry of Health
MBA
Public Health Coordinator
Public Health Department
Douglas Lush, Te Whatu Ora Nelson Marlborough District Health Board
MBChB
Public Health Advisor
Megan Fidler, The University of the South Pacific
MA (Hons)
Research Methods Educator
Bob Williams, Te Marae Ora Cook Islands Ministry of Health
MBA
Head of Ministry
Ministry of Health (Cook Islands)
Debi Futter-Puati, The University of the South Pacific
PhD
Director
The University of the South Pacific, Cook Islands Campus
Heather Worth, The University of the South Pacific
PhD
Director - Te Puna Vai Mārama Cook Islands Centre for Research
The University of the South Pacific