The origin of PRIDA : Building a practical infectious disease health network in the Pacific

A Serendipitous Beginning

The inception of Pacific Region Infectious Disease Association (PRIDA) can be traced back to a pro bono visit to the Solomon Islands in 2017. During this trip, a group of Australian healthcare professionals, spent their days immersed at the National Referral Hospital, sharing knowledge and expertise. Following a successful day of mentoring local laboratory and hospital staff, these professionals found themselves reflecting on the immense need and the lack of a parent organization to provide continuous support and resources.

The Genesis of an Idea

It was in the aftermath of this day, that the idea of PRIDA was born. The team recognized that to make a lasting impact, there needed to be a formal structure—an organization that could bring together like-minded individuals and resources to tackle infectious diseases head-on in the Pacific region.

From Vision to Reality

The organization’s mission was clear: to create a robust network of healthcare professionals, researchers, and stakeholders across the Pacific. This network would serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices, thereby strengthening the region’s capacity to manage infectious diseases and the ever growing problem of antimicrobial resistance effectively. With this in mind, the group worked in the communal lounge of the Solomon Island guest house each evening during the in-country visit to establish the organisation. One important task was to establish the motto – Empower, Grow, Sustain. With assistance of two recently Australian graduated lawyers, on return to Australia the organisation was registered in Queensland as a not-for-profit association, incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Act 1981.

Developed and endorsed by PRIDA Executive, July 2024.