Move to enhance public health
IN a move to enhance public health communication and community engagement in Fiji, the US government, in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has established a groundbreaking partnership with Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS).
This initiative was announced following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday, marking a concerted effort to fortify communication strategies, particularly focusing on risk communications and community engagement during pandemics and emergencies.
As part of this collaboration, USAID, through its breakthrough ACTION project executed by the Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication Program, has delivered essential media supplies. The project will also extend technical assistance to the MHMS communication team to bolster their efforts in disseminating crucial health-related information to the Fijian public.
USAID’S involvement includes hands-on coaching and training sessions for the ministry’s communication team on developing and executing comprehensive communications plans and campaigns. Furthermore, there will be an upgrade to the ministry’s public-facing website to ensure accessibility and relevance.
Zema Semunegus, the USAID/ Pacific Islands mission director, emphasised the pivotal role of effective communication in saving lives during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Through this partnership, USAID seeks to assist the ministry in strengthening their health messaging and communications capacity in order to help raise awareness among the public of specific health issues and to promote healthier behaviours,” she said.
Responding to the ministry’s need for technical assistance, Ms Semunegus expressed USAID’s pleasure in aligning with Fiji’s health objectives within the broader context of strengthening health systems and security in the Pacific region.
Dr Jemesa Tudravu, the MHMS acting permanent secretary, expressed delight over the partnership, highlighting the ministry’s long-standing identification of the need for strengthened risk communication.
“The ministry had identified for some time that risk communication is an area of need and requires strengthening. We are delighted that USAID has come on board and is willing to support the ministry through the donation of much-needed risk communication equipment as well as assist in capacity building. We are excited by this partnership and look forward to working together with USAID in the planned activities that will benefit the ministry greatly as well as the communities we serve in Fiji,” he said.
He commended USAID’s support through the gifting of vital communication equipment and capacity-building assistance, expressing eagerness for collaborative efforts.
This collaboration is a significant extension of USAID’s ongoing health assistance to Fiji and the Pacific Islands.
To date, the US government, through USAID, has contributed over $58million to Pacific Island countries, including Fiji, addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under the newly introduced global health security program, USAID is earmarking $5m in its inaugural year to enhance pandemic preparedness and response capabilities not only in Fiji but also across the broader Pacific Islands region.