The Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion for Rural and Urban Fijians (REACH) project buses have enabled the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to conduct the mobile vaccination campaign swiftly and effectively in most communities.
While acknowledging the assistance rendered by the REACH project, Health Ministry permanent secretary Dr James Fong said during these critical times, a community-based approach was the key to reaching out to the priority communities that were more susceptible to the COVID-19 crisis.
“This approach provides us an opportunity to ensure that everyone is able to have an access to the resources such as information and services, as we reach out to them strategically,” Dr Fong said.
The custom-designed and equipped buses are being administered by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation (MWCPA).
Dr Fong said the REACH buses had greatly contributed to the Ministry of Health’s vaccination efforts so far.
“More than 35 per cent of Fiji’s target population for vaccination who are above 18 years old have received their first dose, till date,” he said.
Permanent Secretary for MWCPA Jennifer Poole said the ministry made the REACH buses available for the COVID-19 vaccination campaign because “the buses were most suitably equipped to do the job”.
“The benefit of a mobile approach is that it can be moved to locations where it is most needed,” Ms Poole said.
“The adapted program for the COVID-19 situation included COVID-19 vaccination services. This large bus is always a drawcard and it once again proved very effective in delivering services to the communities,” she said.
“The REACH mobile service delivery platform is delivered in partnership with UNDP and key service providers such as the MHMS.”
