Born: Unknown, Tuvalu
Died: 27 September 2020
Country most active: Tuvalu
Also known as: NA
Miliama Simeona was a distinguished gynaecologist and obstetrician, and one of two women, alongside Nese Ituaso-Conway, to become Tuvalu’s first female doctors. Born on Nanumaga Island, her educational journey took her from Nanumaga Lotohoni Primary School and Motufoua Secondary School in Tuvalu to Townsville Cathedral School in Australia through a scholarship. Subsequently, she pursued higher education at the Fiji School of Medicine.
Upon earning her MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree and a Diploma in Primary Health Care and Preventive Medicine, Simeona completed a year-long internship at Suva’s main hospital before returning to Tuvalu in 1999. Furthering her expertise, she obtained a postgraduate diploma in Obstetrics and Gynecology from the Fiji School of Medicine in 2002.
Simeona’s impactful career included roles as a Medical Officer with the Ministry of Health Tuvalu, Obstetrician Gynaecologist at Princess Margaret Hospital (Funafuti), and Executive Director for the Tuvalu Family Health Association, where she spearheaded the expansion of clinical services. Additionally, she served as Tuvalu’s representative to key regional health organizations and, from March 2014, sat on the board of the Tuvalu National Provident Fund. Her commitment to healthcare and advocacy left a lasting legacy in Tuvalu’s medical landscape.