Climate Crisis: Are Fiji’s Health Facilities at Risk?

A recent report has highlighted that ninety percent of health facilities in Fiji’s Central and Western divisions are aging, posing serious challenges to the country’s healthcare infrastructure. This information was unveiled at the COP29 forum in Azerbaijan by Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, Fiji’s Minister for Health and Medical Services, as part of the Fiji Health Adaptation Plan (FHAP), which specifically addresses the impacts of climate change on the health sector.

The report indicates that many of these facilities have suffered extreme, unrepaired damage due to climate events, notably noting that between 70 to 80 percent of them have experienced flooding of access roads and bridges. This has significantly hindered access to essential healthcare during severe weather conditions.

A major incident illustrating this vulnerability was Cyclone Winston, a Category 5 cyclone that struck in 2016, resulting in damage to 88 healthcare facilities. The direct cost of the destruction was estimated at $13.9 million, excluding secondary health repercussions like food and water safety concerns. The total cost for recovery and rebuilding these facilities is projected to be $30.9 million.

Furthermore, the FHAP outlines future climate hazard projections for Fiji, predicting an increase in health-related impacts such as higher temperatures, more intense cyclones, and rising sea levels. These climatic shifts are expected to exacerbate existing health risks, complicating issues like water security, food security, vector-borne diseases, and mental health concerns.

Currently, the Health Ministry oversees 206 healthcare facilities across the country, including nursing stations, health centers, divisional hospitals, and specialized hospitals dedicated to specific health needs.

This situation underscores the urgent need for investment in healthcare infrastructure to address both current challenges and future climate-induced health risks, ultimately aimed at safeguarding the wellbeing of Fiji’s population.

To conclude, while the current state of healthcare facilities in Fiji is concerning, the proactive approach taken through the Fiji Health Adaptation Plan signals a commitment to improving health infrastructure and resilience against climate change. With concerted efforts and support, there is hope for better, more sustainable healthcare services in the future.