The Pacific Islands are home to more than 8.5 million people and support fisheries and forests that are critical to local livelihoods and the global food supply. Yet the islands are threatened by climate change, natural disasters, infectious diseases and governance issues.

USAID assistance in the Pacific covers 12 nations: Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. We focus on climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness. We also assist Papua New Guinea in addressing its HIV/AIDS epidemic and advancing peace and security in the post-conflict Autonomous Region of Bougainville.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND DISASTER MITIGATION

People in the Pacific Islands depend on tourism, fisheries, forestry and agriculture for their livelihoods— all of which are challenged by the changing climate. USAID strengthens the capacity of civil society, national governments and regional institutions to improve management of natural resources and mitigate the negative effects of climate change. Activities include climate-proofing community infrastructure and promoting disaster preparedness and adaptation measures. USAID has helped nearly 140 communities across nine Pacific Island countries make their infrastructure more resilient to natural disasters. These activities now serve as models that can be scaled up throughout the region. At the national and regional levels, activities include strengthening climate change policy and strategy development, and ensuring access to climate finance. USAID also supports disaster preparedness, relief and reconstruction in the Republic of the Marshall Islands and Federated States of Micronesia under the Compact of Free Association.

HIV/AIDS AND TUBERCULOSIS

Papua New Guinea suffers from one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the Pacific Islands. Sex workers, men who have sex with men, and transgender persons are particularly at-risk. In partnership with the National Department of Health, USAID provides people vulnerable to, living with, or affected by the disease with prevention, support and treatment services. USAID also works with the Government of Papua New Guinea to strengthen its response to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS

USAID helps sustain peace and stability in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. With a referendum on full independence from Papua New Guinea slated to take place in 2019, USAID is working with the Bougainville Government, civil society organizations and women’s groups to ensure informed decision-making and open, transparent and peaceful electoral events.

Learn more

Pacific Islands Regional Profile [PDF]