A new partnership between the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Fiji’s Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management has been established to enhance the quality of life for people living in rural and maritime areas of the nation. The agreement, signed recently, focuses on addressing various challenges faced by these communities, including access to healthcare, family planning, gender-based violence, youth and women empowerment, and disaster response initiatives.
Isoa Talemaibua, the Permanent Secretary for Rural and Maritime Development, highlighted that UNFPA has been instrumental in rolling out programs that cater to the unique needs of these isolated areas. He acknowledged the significant support provided by UNFPA since 2020, particularly in the Northern Division, where communities often grapple with geographic isolation and limited access to essential services.
The challenges are especially difficult for vulnerable populations such as women, youths, and marginalized groups. Talemaibua emphasized that UNFPA’s initiatives aim to close the gaps in service provision to ensure everyone has access to the necessary resources, regardless of their location or the barriers they encounter.
The Ministry is committed to delivering essential development services that will provide rural communities with the same access to opportunities available in other regions of Fiji. A critical focus of their strategy is to elevate living standards and foster rural economic growth, ensuring that communities are productive, resilient, and safe.
This initiative brings hope for a more equitable future for Fiji’s rural and maritime areas, promising not only to uplift living standards but also to foster a sense of resilience and empowerment among its most vulnerable populations. By partnering with UNFPA, the government aims to create a more inclusive society where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive.
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