Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reiterated Fiji’s dedication to improving health and well-being throughout the Pacific region during the opening of the 76th World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee Meeting for the Western Pacific in Nadi. This week-long conference gathers senior health officials from 38 member states, a notable increase from the 17 members during Fiji’s hosting of the event in 1984.
During his address, Prime Minister Rabuka reflected on the significant accomplishments made in public health within the Pacific, while also recognizing ongoing challenges such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), mental health issues, and climate-related health risks. He emphasized that NCDs account for over 80% of deaths in Fiji, underscoring the critical impact on social and economic development. Additionally, the Prime Minister highlighted rising mental health issues among adolescents exacerbated by trauma, stress, and substance abuse.
In response to these challenges, Fiji has implemented several proactive measures including healthy school policies, restrictions on unhealthy food advertising, and the expansion of mental health services through decentralized care and the training of personnel in psychological first aid. Despite these efforts, Rabuka pointed out that stigma, underfunding, and inadequate data continue to create substantial barriers to progress.
The Prime Minister called for targeted international financing to assist Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in tackling the rising burden of NCDs and mental health care, challenges that are intensified by climate change and geographic isolation. He drew a connection between health and Fiji’s national philosophy of an “Ocean of Peace,” stating that healthier societies are a result of peaceful governance and compassionate leadership.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s commitment to advocating for universal health coverage, pandemic preparedness, and climate-resilient health systems at the United Nations. He articulated that healthy individuals drive economic growth and that resilient communities help protect against future crises.
As the meeting progresses, Rabuka encouraged delegates to use this opportunity to “reflect, reset, and reimagine our shared future,” emphasizing the importance of wisdom, unity, and a sense of purpose in their deliberations. His closing remarks spotlighted a vision for a healthier, more peaceful, and resilient Western Pacific Region, fostering optimism for collaborative health advancements moving forward.
In light of Fiji’s commitment to hosting significant health discussions, the insights and collective strategies generated during this meeting are poised to positively influence health policies across the Pacific, creating a hopeful path for improved health outcomes in the region’s diverse communities.