Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to enhancing health and well-being across the Pacific region at the opening of the 76th World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee Meeting for the Western Pacific in Nadi. This important gathering, which spans a week, brings together senior health officials from 38 member states, a notable increase from the 17 participants when Fiji last hosted the meeting in 1984.
In his address, Prime Minister Rabuka highlighted the significant progress made in public health across the Pacific while also acknowledging the persistent challenges, particularly non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health concerns, and health risks associated with climate change. He noted that NCDs are responsible for over 80% of deaths in Fiji, emphasizing their profound effects on social and economic development. The Prime Minister also pointed to rising mental health issues among adolescents, which are exacerbated by trauma and substance abuse.
To combat these issues, Fiji has introduced several proactive initiatives, including healthy school policies, restrictions on unhealthy food advertising, and enhanced access to mental health services through community-based care and training in psychological first aid. However, Rabuka warned that stigma, insufficient funding, and lack of adequate data remain significant obstacles to progress.
During his speech, he urged for targeted international funding to help Small Island Developing States (SIDS) address the increasing challenges posed by NCDs and mental health care, particularly in the face of climate change and geographical isolation. He linked health improvements to Fiji’s national philosophy of an “Ocean of Peace,” arguing that healthy societies result from peaceful governance and compassionate leadership.
Moreover, Prime Minister Rabuka stressed Fiji’s ongoing dedication to advocating for universal health coverage, pandemic preparedness, and climate-resilient health systems at the United Nations. He noted that healthy people are crucial for economic growth and that resilient communities play a vital role in safeguarding against future crises.
As the meeting unfolds, Rabuka encouraged participants to utilize this platform to “reflect, reset, and reimagine our shared future,” underlining the significance of wisdom, unity, and purpose in their discussions. His concluding remarks painted a hopeful vision for a healthier, more peaceful, and resilient Western Pacific Region, reinforcing optimism for collaborative health advancements that can lead to improved outcomes in the diverse communities throughout the region.
Fiji’s hosting of such crucial health discussions highlights a promising path towards better health policies and outcomes for all Pacific nations, fostering collaboration aimed at tackling shared challenges in health and well-being.