The World Bank has announced plans to enhance its support for health sectors in Fiji and the broader Pacific region through the provision of financial and technical assistance. This announcement was made by World Bank President Ajay Banga during his visit to the Nuffield Health Clinic in Tamavua, accompanied by Fiji’s Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu.
Currently visiting Fiji, Mr. Banga is engaged in discussions with the Government on various matters, including healthcare challenges. He mentioned that a health report prepared by the World Bank serves as a foundational document, emphasizing the necessity for Fiji to allocate more resources—both financial and intellectual—to its health sector. Mr. Banga expressed his commitment to providing technical assistance and financing to help Fiji achieve its health goals.
He also emphasized the importance of collaboration among Pacific island nations, suggesting that larger communities should develop regional infrastructures to support local healthcare needs. In addressing local and international media, Mr. Banga stated that the Pacific islands need to work together to optimize healthcare resources.
During his visit, Mr. Banga observed the dedication of health professionals operating under significant resource constraints, highlighting the value of community outreach in fostering preventive care and early disease detection. He reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to reach 1.5 billion people by 2030 with improved primary healthcare services, aiming to detect diseases early through diagnostic centers and educational initiatives.
Mr. Banga pointed out the urgent need to focus not only on maternal and neonatal health but also on non-communicable diseases, which are increasingly prevalent. He acknowledged that one of the significant global challenges is the loss of skilled professionals and expressed the Bank’s intention to support Fiji in addressing this issue by creating an appealing environment for healthcare workers.
The World Bank’s initial project in Fiji’s healthcare sector, launched in June 2020, was the $7.35 million COVID-19 Emergency Response Project, which is set to conclude in June 2024.