Fiji has unveiled a new maternal and child health policy aimed at establishing clear standards for healthcare services focused on mothers and children. Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, the permanent secretary for Health and Medical Services, announced the initiative during a ceremony in Nadi, highlighting the existing satisfactory levels of maternal and child healthcare while emphasizing the importance of maintaining knowledge and skills passed down through generations.
In light of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Tudravu underscored the critical need for standardizing health services to enhance healthcare delivery and better prepare for future health emergencies. The project team is confident that this new policy will offer clear guidance to all maternal and child health (MCH) service providers in Fiji, ensuring the quality and effectiveness of their services.
The development of the policy began in September 2023, actively involving key maternal and child health personnel. A crucial policy drafting retreat was conducted with the support of a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expert team in December 2023, facilitating a swift formulation of the policy. Input was gathered from various health centers through consultations with frontline MCH service providers, ensuring that the policy aligns closely with the real-world needs of the community.
Dr. Tudravu acknowledged the significant support from the Government of Japan in making this initiative possible. Dr. Saia Piukala, the World Health Organization’s regional director for the Western Pacific, emphasized the policy’s role in integrating various fragmented health approaches related to family planning, immunization, and early childhood care into a unified framework.
This new maternal and child health policy is a crucial advancement for healthcare services in Fiji, poised to streamline service delivery and promote a healthier future generation. The collaborative efforts between the government and international organizations reflect a hopeful outlook for improved health outcomes for mothers and children in Fiji, contributing to a more resilient healthcare system focused on early intervention and comprehensive care.