A project funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency and implemented by the World Health Organization has pinpointed 20 healthcare facilities in Fiji that require immediate enhancements.
During the WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Meeting in Manila, Philippines, Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu discussed the findings, specifically highlighting the critical areas necessitating improvement as part of the SHAPE project, which stands for Strengthening Health Adaptation Project: Responding to Climate Change in Fiji.
Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized the importance of making these facilities more resilient to flooding, extreme weather events, and ensuring they have robust back-up water supply systems for maintaining access to clean water during emergencies.
He expressed gratitude for the WHO’s assistance in formulating Fiji’s Primary Health Care Roadmap, which is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, as well as the ministry’s 10-year Health Workforce Development Plan.
The Health Minister also extended an invitation to healthcare partners and donor organizations to join Fiji in enhancing its health services and infrastructure.
Additionally, Dr. Lalabalavu engaged with his New Zealand counterpart, Shane Reti, to address Fiji’s ongoing challenges related to non-communicable diseases, the increasing abuse of illicit drugs, the alarming rise in new HIV cases, and the national response to the HIV surge.