Dr Waqainabete lauds World Health Organisation

The Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete acknowledged the support from World Health Orgainsation (WHO) for contributing immensely towards addressing the health issues in Fiji and the Pacific.

This was revealed at the 70th Regional Committee Meeting of the World Health Orgainsation in Manilla, Philippines.

In responding to the Regional Director’s report and white paper on WPRO plan of action for the next four years, Dr Waqainabete thanked WHO for assisting Fiji in her recent certification of the Fiji Emergency Medical Assistance Team (FEMAT) and the technical assistance with the recent Meningococcal outbreak in 2018.

The title of the white paper presented by RD which was endorsed this morning is titled “For the Future - Towards the Healthiest and Safest Region”.

Dr Waqainabete acknowledged the expression of support from WHO for Fiji’s role as the Hub for health professionals training for Fiji and the Pacific, and for the provision of safe and affordable surgery.

“We would like to thank WHO’s reaffirmation and unwavering support to assist Fiji in its role as a regional hub for developing the health workforce for Fiji and the Pacific, as well as our aspirations to develop our leading health institution into a collaborating centre for safe and affordable surgery,” Dr Waqainabete said. “There is no Universal Health Coverage without safe and affordable surgery.” Meanwhile, he stressed on the need to maintaining communicable diseases in the forefront of WHO plans and activities as communicable diseases are closely linked to the effects of climate change.