In the last twenty years, Fiji has faced the consequences of 23 cyclones, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture, and resulting in 61 fatalities. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has played a crucial role in addressing these challenges.
During a ceremony on Friday, Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, the Permanent Secretary of the Health and Medical Services Ministry, expressed these concerns while receiving Emergency Medical Teams equipment from the World Health Organization.
Dr. Tudravu noted that the devastation caused by these cyclones led to the formation of the Fiji Emergency Medical Assistance Team (FEMAT) in 2019, with essential technical and financial support from the World Health Organization, assisted by New Zealand Medical Assistance Teams (NZMAT) and Australian Medical Assistance Teams (AUSMAT).
He highlighted that FEMAT has led local and regional disaster response initiatives, providing aid during seven cyclones, two leptospirosis and typhoid outbreaks, two surgical outreach programs, and coordinating three universal health coverage projects.
In 2021, FEMAT was instrumental in setting up a 28-bed tented field hospital in Lautoka and converting the Vodafone Arena into a facility for COVID-19-positive patients.
Dr. Tudravu expressed gratitude to the World Health Organization for supplying FEMAT with essential kits and equipment.