The World Bank is set to enhance its support for the healthcare sectors in Fiji and the broader Pacific region through financial and technical assistance. This announcement was made by World Bank President Ajay Banga during a visit to the Nuffield Health Clinic in Tamavua, alongside Fiji’s Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu.
Banga is currently in Fiji engaging in discussions with government officials about various issues, notably the challenges faced by the healthcare system. He highlighted that a recent health report prepared by the World Bank serves as a foundational document, emphasizing the need for Fiji to allocate more resources—both financial and intellectual—to healthcare.
“The government is keen to take this information and leverage it,” Banga stated, emphasizing the World Bank’s role in providing both technical assistance and funding. He noted the unique challenges faced by Pacific island nations, which have small populations but require robust regional infrastructure to support their healthcare needs effectively.
Banga observed the dedication of health professionals working under significant constraints, underscoring the importance of community outreach to foster early detection and prevention of diseases. He reiterated the World Bank’s commitment to reaching 1.5 billion people by 2030 with improved primary healthcare facilities, allowing for early diagnosis and education similar to initiatives currently being undertaken in schools.
He stressed the importance of addressing both maternal and neonatal health, as well as tackling non-communicable diseases that arise from modern lifestyles. Additionally, Banga pointed out the global issue of skill loss as a significant challenge and expressed the bank’s desire to assist Fiji in addressing it.
“Change cannot be mandated, but rather it must come from improving the environment in which health professionals operate, and fostering pride in community service,” he remarked.
The World Bank’s initial involvement in Fiji’s healthcare sector stemmed from a $7.35 million USD COVID-19 Emergency Response Project, which was approved in June 2020 and is set to conclude in June 2024.