Fiji is intensifying its initiatives to bolster climate-resilient oral health services amidst the challenges posed by rising sea levels, extreme weather, and infrastructure degradation that threaten access to essential dental care in island communities. During the recent 4th Global Oral Health and Climate Action Conference, Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa highlighted that climate change is rapidly becoming a central challenge for health systems across the Pacific, turning basic oral health issues into serious health risks during disasters.
In response to these challenges, Fiji is implementing the construction of health centers designed to withstand cyclonic conditions, which will be equipped with solar power and elevated to prevent flooding. These facilities will feature rainwater harvesting systems and energy-efficient dental equipment, ensuring continuity of care during emergencies. Additionally, mobile dental units and boat-supported clinics are being deployed to reach remote maritime communities that may be cut off due to transportation disruptions.
Ravunawa expressed the urgency of coordinated action, stating, “When the roof is gone, when water is contaminated, when the generator fails and the dental chair cannot run, a simple toothache becomes a hospital admission and a small problem becomes a lifetime burden.” He emphasized the importance of collective efforts to address these burgeoning health challenges, echoing sentiments raised by Fijian Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, who previously called for global cooperation to tackle the health impacts exacerbated by climate change.
Alongside infrastructure improvements, Fiji is expanding preventive measures such as school-based fluoride programs and efforts to reduce sugar consumption as part of a strategic initiative that aligns with the Minamata Convention, which aims to phase out mercury amalgam. The long-term objective is to cultivate a skilled and sustainable oral health workforce that can ensure equitable access to dental care for all Fijians.
This proactive stance is rooted in broader efforts articulated in the Fiji Health Adaptation Plan for 2023-2030, which underscores the critical importance of resilient health systems in the face of climate-induced challenges. With ongoing commitments to enhance health infrastructure and practices, Fiji serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that through strategic planning and community-focused approaches, significant improvements in public health and climate resilience can be achieved. These developments not only aim to protect the wellbeing of Fijians but also offer a compelling example for other nations grappling with similar issues due to climate change.
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