Fiji has faced the devastating effects of 23 cyclones over the past 20 years, resulting in extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture, as well as 61 reported fatalities. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has been instrumental in addressing these challenges.
On Friday, Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, the Permanent Secretary of the Health and Medical Services Ministry, emphasized the importance of these issues during the handover of Emergency Medical Teams equipment from the World Health Organization.
While receiving the equipment from Nuha Mahmoud, the WHO Officer-in-Charge in the Pacific, Dr. Tudravu noted that the aftermath of these cyclones led to the creation of the Fiji Emergency Medical Assistance Team (FEMAT) in 2019. This initiative received crucial technical and financial support from the WHO, along with guidance from New Zealand Medical Assistance Team (NZMAT) and Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT).
Dr. Tudravu pointed out that FEMAT has played a vital role in local and regional disaster response efforts, assisting during seven cyclones, two leptospirosis and typhoid outbreaks, two surgical outreach programs, and coordinating three universal health coverage initiatives.
In 2021, FEMAT was instrumental in setting up a 28-bed tented field hospital in Lautoka and adapting the Vodafone Arena indoor sports facility to serve COVID-19 patients.
Dr. Tudravu expressed gratitude to the WHO for providing FEMAT with essential kits and equipment.