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 improvements.
During the WHO’s Western Pacific Regional Meeting in Manila, Philippines, Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu made this announcement. He indicated that the Strengthening Health Adaptation Project: Responding to Climate Change in Fiji (SHAPE project) has identified these at-risk facilities throughout the country.
Dr. Lalabalavu emphasized the need for infrastructural enhancements to ensure these facilities can resist flooding, endure extreme weather, and maintain reliable backup water supply systems for access to clean water during emergencies.
He acknowledged WHO’s assistance in creating 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 called on health partners and donor organizations to assist Fiji in enhancing its healthcare services and infrastructure.
Additionally, Dr. Lalabalavu held discussions with his New Zealand counterpart Shane Reti regarding Fiji’s ongoing efforts to address the non-communicable disease crisis, the increasing prevalence of illicit drug use, the significant rise in new HIV cases, and Fiji’s national response to the HIV surge.