The Fiji Cancer Society is actively addressing significant gaps in palliative care for patients suffering from life-limiting illnesses, especially in the context of natural disasters. During the 76th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific in Nadi, Chief Executive Officer Belinda Chan emphasized the urgent need for improved care during and after disasters.
Chan pointed out that currently, there is a lack of focus on the continuous palliative care that patients need during emergencies. “More patients need ongoing care during disasters. So that’s not really being addressed,” she remarked, stressing the importance of examining existing disaster response frameworks to identify solutions for these patients.
She noted that palliative care extends beyond cancer patients to include those suffering from other serious conditions, such as diabetes or stroke. Chan raised concerns about the adequacy of support for vulnerable patients in evacuation centers and homes post-disaster, questioning whether their needs were being adequately met.
“There’s a lot of emphasis on this issue because of palliative care,” Chan said, urging both national and international organizations to provide effective assistance. The need for increased investment in this area is essential, as palliative care should address the dignity and respect that all patients deserve.
Moreover, Chan highlighted the challenges facing caregivers who look after seriously ill patients, emphasizing the necessity for support systems for these families. “What support is available for these families? It isn’t easy to care for someone who is seriously ill,” she stated.
In parallel, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka pointed to Fiji’s effort to enhance mental health care access during the WHO meeting. He acknowledged barriers such as stigma, underfunding, and healthcare capability that hinder progress in tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental health issues. Rabuka advocated for targeted international financing to support Small Island Developing States in managing rising healthcare costs.
His government’s commitment to a health-in-all-policies approach focuses on creating a healthier population through initiatives spanning education, nutrition, and gender equality, tying health improvements to broader economic growth.
As Fiji grapples with its healthcare challenges, including the pressing need for palliative care, both the Cancer Society and government officials remain hopeful about the potential for collaborative progress. Through increased support and innovative strategies, there is optimism for establishing a more robust health system that prioritizes the needs of all citizens, paving a constructive path toward a healthier and more resilient nation.