The World Bank is set to enhance its support for health sectors in Fiji and the Pacific region through 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 visiting Fiji, Mr. Banga is engaged in discussions with the government on various issues related to healthcare and its challenges. He noted that the World Bank has conducted a health report for Fiji, serving as a baseline that emphasizes the need for the country to allocate more resources, both financially and in terms of personnel, to address health sector requirements.
“Our role will be to provide both technical assistance and financing, and I aim to learn more about their needs during my time here,” Mr. Banga stated in response to queries from local and international media.
He also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration among Pacific islands, given their small populations. Mr. Banga remarked that larger communities could aid in providing regional healthcare infrastructure. He planned to address this notion with the Pacific Islands Forum later in the day.
During his visit, Mr. Banga observed the dedication of health professionals working under significant resource constraints. He stressed the importance of community outreach in fostering preventive care and early disease detection.
Earlier this year, the World Bank committed to reaching 1.5 billion people by 2030 with improved primary healthcare services. This initiative aims to enable early disease identification through diagnostic centers and educational programs, similar to initiatives by the Ministry of Education in schools.
Mr. Banga emphasized the need to focus not only on maternal and neonatal health but also on addressing non-communicable diseases that are prevalent in adulthood. He acknowledged a significant global challenge: skill loss, an area where the World Bank intends to assist Fiji.
He asserted that improving this situation cannot be achieved through mandates but rather by addressing the underlying factors that drive healthcare professionals away. “It’s about creating an environment that encourages them to stay, improving compensation, and fostering pride in serving their communities,” he expressed.
The World Bank’s first health sector project in Fiji was the $7.35 million COVID-19 Emergency Response Project, which was sanctioned by its board in June 2020 and is set to conclude in June 2024.