THE climate change impacts on health can never be overemphasised and recent cyclones have exposed our health system, and there is a need to build better with approved global best practices and standards.
This was the word from Minister for Health and Medical services, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete while launching the Guidelines for Climate Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Health Care Facilities (CESHCF) in Fiji yesterday.
Dr Waqainabete said Fiji was the first in the region to do so after the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Guidance for Climate Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Health Care Facilities.
“This is a landmark achievement, and it sets the tone for regional growth, dialogue and collaboration among smaller island developing states as we continue to fight the increasing effects of climate change within our region.”
He said Fiji and the Pacific’s stance on climate change had already been stressed as a matter of life and death.
“Some of our islands’ vulnerable healthcare facilities experience inundation due to rising sea level, drinking water is no longer potable because of saltwater intrusion.
“Significant structural damage was sustained by some facilities in the recent tropical cyclones and we have had to deploy our Fiji emergency medical assistance team to help manage post-cyclone surge.
“The guidelines we are launching today (yesterday) is very relevant and timely to build climate resilience into our health system and ultimately into our Fijian population.”
