Fiji’s Health at Risk: A Climate Crisis Unfolds

Fiji has faced significant challenges to its health infrastructure due to the impact of cyclones over the past decade. Between 2010 and 2022, the country experienced 20 cyclones that inflicted lasting damage on health facilities, as detailed in the newly unveiled Fiji Health Adaptation Plan (FHAP) for 2024 – 2030.

The FHAP emphasizes the heightened vulnerability of both the population and health systems to extreme weather events driven by climate change. It notes that 90 percent of the population resides in coastal regions, with a substantial portion of healthcare facilities located perilously close to the shoreline; particularly, 41 percent of these facilities are situated within 500 meters of the coast, and at least 27 facilities are less than 100 meters from the shoreline.

This adaptation plan, launched by the Ministry of Health, serves as a proactive measure addressing the enduring repercussions of climate change and the threats posed by future disasters on health infrastructure over the next six years. Building on the foundations laid by the Climate Change and Health Strategic Action Plan (CCHSAP), the FHAP introduces a comprehensive approach, aiming to integrate climate resilience and sustainability into all health-related programs and policies.

The FHAP outlines 35 adaptation and mitigation actions that will be organized around six health system building blocks, reflecting a commitment to improving how the Ministry of Health and Medical Services manages climate challenges.

By shifting to a more holistic approach for dealing with climate-related health risks, this plan represents a hopeful step toward enhancing the resilience of Fiji’s health infrastructure and safeguarding the well-being of its population against the increasing threats of climate change.

In summary, Fiji is taking significant strides to bolster its health infrastructure against climate change through the FHAP, which aims to create a more resilient healthcare system that can withstand future natural disasters. This proactive response signals a hopeful commitment to environmental sustainability and stronger public health systems.