MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
During my visit to Fiji, I am pleased to announce a major initiative by the
Australian Government to improve health services for the people of Fiji. The
program, worth $25 million over five years, will be implemented as a partnership
between the governments of Fiji and Australia.
Under the program Australian advisers will work with Fiji administrators to
modernise their health management systems so that resources can be used more
effectively and more of the people of Fiji can benefit.
Other aspects of the program will include mobile dentist facilities, child
vaccination assistance and promotions to foster good health practices.
The objective is to build on the successes of current health reform and
community health projects to further strengthen capacity across Fiji's health
services.
The Fiji Ministry of Health stands out as a strong performer and this program
reflects the Ministry's vision of an integrated and efficient health system to
foster good health and well-being for all Fiji's citizens.
One example is Lautoka Hospital, which made history at the 2002 Fiji Quality
Awards when it became the first government institution to win an award for
service delivery and management.
Another is the establishment by the community health project on Taveuni
Island, of a fully functioning hospital in Waiyevo, which in turn led to 20
small community health projects, including water supplies. As a direct result,
the proportion of underweight children presenting at clinics on Taveuni has more
than halved since 2001.
Australia's new health program will be delivered in a way that will place
substantial management responsibility in the hands of the Fiji government.
Fiji faces major health challenges, including increases in non-communicable
diseases like diabetes and hypertension, due to lifestyle changes and poor
nutrition. The prevalence of diabetes has been increasing progressively over the
past 30 years and there have also been rapid increases in HIV/AIDS.
The program will be formally launched in Lautoka today when I sign an
agreement between the Governments of Australia and the Republic of the Fiji
Islands.
Media Contacts:
Chris Kenny (Minister's office) (02) 6277 7500 or 0419 206 890
Jo Elsom (AusAID) 02 6206 4960 or 0412 804 489