Fiji, an upper middle-income country, is facing challenges in its health sector that are more typical of a lower middle-income nation. A new review highlights the country's struggle with non-communicable diseases linked to lifestyle factors, which pose a threat to its economic growth potential. The Fiji Health Sector Review emphasizes the need for an effective system to prevent, detect, and manage chronic conditions.
The report identifies several areas contributing to Fiji's underperformance in health outcomes. These include issues related to staffing, skills, and public financial management. It suggests that addressing these problems requires a comprehensive approach involving multiple government sectors.
With the vision encapsulated by the Fijian greeting "Mo Bulabula ka Bula Balavu," meaning "wishing you a healthy life and a long life," the review outlines recommendations for improving health outcomes. The proposed phased approach aims to align Fiji's health performance with that of similar nations and predicts significant health and economic benefits if implemented broadly.
The review was supported by contributions from the Governments of Australia and New Zealand through the World Bank’s Pacific Health Program of Advisory Services and Analytics.