Fiji has reached a notable milestone by becoming the first Pacific nation to launch the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Vigimobile app, aimed at improving the monitoring of medicine and vaccine safety. The unveiling of this digital tool took place at the Holiday Inn in Suva, showcasing Fiji’s commitment to enhancing public health protection.
The Vigimobile app, which was created in collaboration with the WHO and the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC), allows both healthcare professionals and the public to conveniently report any unexpected side effects or adverse reactions related to medicines and vaccines. This initiative highlights Fiji’s pioneering role in ensuring medicine safety, a commitment it has maintained since joining the WHO’s International Drug Monitoring program in 1999.
Featuring offline capabilities and multilingual support, the app ensures robust data security and remains accessible to health workers and citizens in both urban and remote areas. Its launch is significant as it coincides with the 10-year anniversary of #MedSafetyWeek, an international campaign led by UMC that focuses on promoting safe medicine usage through timely and accurate reporting.
Deputy WHO representative Ms. Sophie Genay-Diliautas commended Fiji’s leadership in this critical project, noting that “Vigimobile contributes to a safer, more responsive health system.” This sentiment affirms WHO’s dedication to supporting Fiji in such transformative initiatives.
The introduction of Vigimobile reflects a broader trend in Fiji’s healthcare landscape, highlighted by recent initiatives like the Sova Ni Bula app, which aims to enhance health management and care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Much like Vigimobile, the Sova Ni Bula app underlines the role of technology in healthcare, significantly improving patient care and reducing wait times.
These innovative applications position Fiji as a leader in utilizing technology to address health challenges effectively, setting a foundation for improved health outcomes for its citizens. Supported by international efforts, these advancements signal a promising outlook for healthcare in Fiji, fostering hope for a healthier future.