Only 17 percent of urban residential customers connected to the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) have access to proper sewered sanitation systems. This statistic was brought to light by Isoa Vakarewa, the country manager for Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE), during the commissioning of a new sanitation facility at Lovoni Settlement in Namadi, Suva.
In response to this pressing issue, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services is collaborating with the WAF and RISE to enhance water and sanitation facilities in informal settlements across the Central Division. Toga Vosataki, the WASH coordinator for the Ministry of Health, emphasized the serious public health implications of poor sanitation, which can contribute to neglected tropical diseases and broader negative outcomes, including malnutrition.
Mr. Vosataki highlighted that inadequate sanitation facilities pose significant risks, particularly for women, girls, and individuals with disabilities. He explained that these conditions can lead to increased incidences of diseases such as diarrhea, which remains a major public health challenge and a leading cause of illness and mortality among children under the age of five in low- and middle-income countries.
A well-functioning sanitation system is one that effectively separates human waste from human contact throughout the entire sanitation service chain, covering everything from the use of toilets to the treatment and disposal of waste. The Ministry of Health is dedicated to ensuring safe sanitation access as a means to protect public health and improve community well-being through collaborative efforts with various stakeholders in developing sanitation strategies and investments.
By addressing sanitation challenges, Fiji is taking steps towards a healthier future, illustrating a commitment to improving living conditions and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for its most vulnerable communities. This proactive approach can foster hope for better health outcomes and a more equitable access to essential services.
In summary, the collaboration between government agencies and organizations like RISE indicates progress in tackling the sanitation crisis, underscoring the importance of safe sanitation in public health and community well-being.
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