09-05-2025
PhD work improves superbug knowledge
In a previous life, Saki Baleivanualala was a microbiologist, working in a Fijian hospital where he saw many people dying from antibiotic resistant bacterial infections.
"I collected the clinical samples from the very patients that were admitted in the hospital in Fiji.
"Some of them didn't make it," he said.
"It is a growing global problem, and limited treatment options are already costing lives in the Pacific."
It was what inspired the 47-year-old to do a PhD at the University of Otago, investigating how antibiotic-resistant pathogens were spreading in Fijian hospitals.
What began as a study of the Fijian situation, quickly grew into a regional collaboration involving academic and health partners from Samoa, New Zealand and Australia as well.
By studying DNA and patterns of transmission, Mr Baleivanualala was able to map the movement of the superbug, which helped identify where, and how, the infections were spreading in hospitals.
His research showed it was being moved to different hospitals when patients were being transferred for different treatments.
"It was even caused by ward transfers within hospitals, and that points towards some gaps in terms of infection control practices that can be improved, based on the study.
"We managed to identify those gaps and that has helped the [Fijian] Ministry of Health to put guidelines in place to stop the spread."
This became a catalyst for setting up a permanent system to monitor antibiotic resistance in the other Pacific nations too.
"Setting something in place that means I can capacitate our locals — that is fulfilling," he said.
Mr Baleivanualala's research has earned him a PhD in microbiology and he will graduate today at a University of Otago graduation ceremony in the Dunedin Town Hall.
"I don't know what to say, but it's been a long journey, coming away from Fiji and at this age, to get the PhD.
"And not only getting the PhD, but seeing what I have been able to give back in terms of what I got from learning.
"I'm so very, very happy. It's been a rewarding process."
He is now working with partners to set up another genomic sequencing facility in Fiji, so local scientists can test samples in the country, rather than send them overseas for testing.
He is also continuing his research on antimicrobial resistance, while working at Fiji National University and the University of Otago microbiology department, mentoring young researchers and scientists.
