Fiji has recently launched a new maternal and child health policy, which aims to create clear standards for healthcare services targeting mothers and children, according to Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, the permanent secretary for Health and Medical Services. The policy was officially rolled out in a ceremony held in Nadi, where Dr. Tudravu noted that while maternal and child health care has generally been maintained at satisfactory levels, its effectiveness relies heavily on the knowledge and skills that have been transmitted through generations.
In the wake of the challenges posed by COVID-19, Dr. Tudravu emphasized the necessity of standardizing services to improve healthcare delivery and facilitate better responses to future health emergencies. The project team believes that the newly introduced policy is practical and will provide all maternal and child health (MCH) service providers in Fiji with clear guidance to ensure the quality of their services.
The development of this policy commenced in September 2023 with the engagement of key personnel in maternal and child health for its drafting. A policy drafting retreat, held by the Family Health Unit in collaboration with a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expert team, took place in December 2023, significantly expediting the policy’s formation. Moreover, consultations were made across various health centers to gather feedback from frontline MCH service providers, ensuring that the policy reflects real-world needs.
Dr. Tudravu expressed gratitude towards the Government of Japan for its invaluable support in bringing this initiative to life. Highlighting the importance of integration, Dr. Saia Piukala, the World Health Organization regional director for the Western Pacific, pointed out that this policy consolidates various fragmented health policies related to family planning, immunization, and early childhood care into a single, cohesive framework.
This new policy is seen as a vital step for enhancing maternal and child health services in Fiji, promising to not only streamline health care delivery but also foster a healthier generation within the nation. The collaborative efforts of the government and international organizations in this endeavor inspire hope for improved health outcomes for mothers and children in Fiji, paving the way for a more robust healthcare system that priorities early intervention and comprehensive care.