Cyclones have plagued Fiji over the years, with 20 major storms impacting the nation from 2010 to 2022, leading to significant and enduring damage to the country’s health infrastructure. The newly launched Fiji Health Adaptation Plan (FHAP) 2024 – 2030 warns that many health facilities remain vulnerable to further destruction due to climate-induced disasters.
The FHAP emphasizes that the health system and the population are highly susceptible to the consequences of extreme weather events. It reports that over the past decade, cyclones have severely affected 16 health facilities, with three of those still awaiting reconstruction. Alarmingly, about 90 percent of Fiji’s population resides in coastal regions, and nearly 41 percent of healthcare facilities are within 500 meters of the coast, with at least 27 located within just 100 meters.
The FHAP, which was officially introduced earlier this week, serves as the Ministry of Health’s proactive strategy to address the ongoing impact of climate change on health infrastructure over the next six years. This plan builds on previous efforts and insights gained from the Climate Change and Health Strategic Action Plan (CCHSAP).
By incorporating 35 adaptation and mitigation strategies across various health system components, the FHAP aims to enhance the Ministry of Health and Medical Services’ (MHMS) responses to climate issues. It seeks to integrate climate change considerations throughout all MHMS programs and policies, promoting a more robust approach to climate resilience and environmental sustainability in the health sector.
On a hopeful note, the launch of the FHAP signifies a commitment to strengthening Fiji’s health infrastructure against climate challenges. With the right strategies in place, there is potential for the nation to not only recover from past cyclones but also to safeguard its health facilities and improve resilience for future climate impacts. This plan represents a critical step towards ensuring that health systems can continue to serve the communities effectively, even amidst environmental challenges.
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