The World Bank plans to enhance its support for health sectors in Fiji and the Pacific through increased financial and technical assistance. This announcement was made by World Bank President Ajay Banga during his visit to the Nuffield Health Clinic in Tamavua, alongside Fiji’s Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu.
Currently in Fiji, Mr. Banga is engaging with the Government on various issues, particularly concerning healthcare challenges. He highlighted that the World Bank has conducted a health report for Fiji that serves as an essential baseline for the country, emphasizing the need for increased resources — both financial and intellectual — to address health care needs effectively.
“Our role will involve providing both technical support and financing,” Mr. Banga noted while answering questions from local and international media during his visit.
He emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, as the smaller populations of Pacific islands present unique challenges. Mr. Banga indicated that it is crucial for these island nations to work together to enhance regional infrastructure, which will alleviate some pressures on individual countries.
He praised the commitment of local health professionals who are operating under significant capacity constraints and stressed the value of community outreach for early disease detection and preventive care. The World Bank has committed to reaching 1.5 billion people globally with improved primary healthcare facilities by 2030, aiming to identify diseases early through better diagnostics and educational initiatives.
Mr. Banga also pointed out the importance of addressing non-communicable diseases alongside maternal and neonatal health, as these latter conditions continue to grow in prominence. He identified skill loss as a major global challenge facing health systems and expressed the World Bank’s intention to assist Fiji in this regard.
To reverse skill loss, he stated that creating an appealing environment for health professionals is essential, which involves enhancing working conditions and instilling a sense of pride in serving the community.
The World Bank’s initial involvement in Fiji’s health care sector was marked by a $7.35 million COVID-19 Emergency Response Project, which received approval in June 2020 and will conclude in June 2024.