The BES Support Centre: A Growing Hub for Peer-to-Peer Learning in the Pacific

The BES Support Centre in Suva, Fiji, is rapidly becoming a cornerstone of technical capacity building for digital health in the Pacific. Since its opening in late 2023, it has welcomed teams from across the region, providing hands-on training in IT, data management, and digital health. Recently, with the support of DFAT’s Global Health Division through the Partnerships for a Healthy Region initiative, teams from Tonga and Timor-Leste visited the centre to expand their expertise in server management, health information systems, and supply chain logistics.

Strengthening Technical Capacity: Linux and other IT Training for Tonga’s Ministry of Health

In March 2025, the BES Support Centre hosted a specialized Server Linux Training course for two IT staff from Tonga’s Ministry of Health, with virtual participation from Kiribati. Led by Ashnil Kumar, with support from Anil Karan and Monika Lal, the training aimed to enhance technical proficiency in Linux server management.
Key topics covered included:

  • Linux & Server Basics – Fundamentals of Linux, virtualization using VirtualBox/VMware, and WSL setup for SSH access
  • Linux Administration & Networking – Package management, user administration, firewall setup, and SSH security best practices.
  • Server Configuration & Security – Securing SSH, implementing fail2ban, and system hardening techniques.
  • Advanced Topics & SENAITE – Hands-on installation of SENAITE, server monitoring, log management, and automated backups.
  • Tamanu Deployment & Upgrade – Practical experience in installing, verifying, and upgrading Tamanu.
  • Support Centre Overview – Insights into support functions, issue assessment, and the Zendesk ticketing system.

Participants engaged in practical exercises such as setting up Linux virtual machines, deploying security tools, and troubleshooting real-world scenarios. The training concluded with an interactive Q&A session, fostering peer-to-peer learning and collaboration.

 

Learning from Experience: Timor-Leste Delegation Visits Fiji’s Supply Chain Systems

Also in March 2025, a four-member delegation from Timor-Leste’s Ministerio de Saude visited the BES Fiji office to gain insights into Fiji’s health supply chain. The visit allowed them to explore the similarities and differences between their systems and Fiji’s implementation of mSupply as a Logistics Management Information System (LMIS).
Throughout the week, the delegation:

  • Examined mSupply’s role in improving Fiji’s supply chain management.
  • Discussed key topics such as procurement, dispensing, and laboratory integration.
  • Visited FPBS, CWM Hospital, and remote health facilities to observe operations firsthand.
  • Learned about BES’s contributions to health information systems, including Tamanu, Tupaia, and SENAITE.
  • Participated in a live demonstration by the BES Support Centre, showcasing how each product is actively supported.

This visit reinforced the importance of knowledge-sharing across Pacific nations and highlighted how digital solutions can be leveraged to improve healthcare supply chains.

 

Digital Health Capacity Building: Nauru Digital Health Officer Training

Nauru Digital Health Project Officer Templa Tau spent a week at the BES Support Centre in Suva for an intensive training program in September 2024. He worked closely with the deployment and support teams to deepen his understanding of Tamanu EMR, Tupaia, mSupply, and mSupply Cold Chain.
Templa also traveled to various health facilities to observe Tupaia facility assessment surveys in action. As a key player in Nauru’s health system digitization, his time in Suva provided invaluable insights into IT support, data configuration, and user training. The opportunity allowed him to see ‘behind the curtain’ of BES’s IT and software solutions while also sharing firsthand field experiences with the support team.
This exchange not only strengthened Templa’s technical expertise but also reinforced BES’s commitment to building local capacity, ensuring sustainability and long-term project success.

 

Building a Stronger Digital Health Community

Through initiatives like these, the BES Support Centre is becoming a vital hub for collaboration, ensuring that Pacific health professionals have access to high-quality technical training. By fostering regional connections and providing hands-on experience, the centre is empowering teams to strengthen digital health infrastructure across the region.
We look forward to hosting more teams in the future and continuing our mission to support technical capacity building in the Pacific.

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