THE geographical make-up of Fiji provides challenges of accessibility to health services in remote areas, says AusAID Minister-Counsellor John Davidson.
Speaking at the Ministry of Health's graduation for community health workers in Labasa yesterday, Mr Davidson said given such a situation, it was crucial to have a network of village and community health workers as first point of contact providing basic health care.
"The Fiji Health Sector Support Program (AusAID funded) will work with the Ministry of Health to mobilise community support for health and support the expansion of the village and community health worker program.
"Primary health care is, as we all know, one of the five main objectives of the Fiji Health Sector Support Program and its main goal is to revitalise an effective and sustainable network of village and community health workers," Mr Davidson said.
He the renewed support followed a worldwide review of community healthcare strategies.