FNU-CMNHS FIPHR Institutional Research Repository
Not a member yet
4038 research outputs found
Sort by
An overview of the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) crisis in Fiji: Correspondence
No full textFiji is facing the second wave of COVID-19 and has been recording increased number of COVID-19 cases. The response of Fijian Government is mainly directed towards obtaining international assistance in terms of expertise and vaccinations. While international support is necessary for the country, the Fijian Government also needs to consider the basic needs of the affected Fijians. In response, this article will provide an overview of the current COVID-19 crisis in Fiji to justify the need for reshaping the current approach of the Fijian Government
COVID-19 in Fiji
No full textAbstract. With the implementation of strict quarantine and adjunct health measures, Fiji was largely spared from the
COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In April 2021, the arrival of the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 resulted in a major outbreak that is only now under control. The country enacted swift countermeasures to reduce population movement, but the delta variant gained a foothold in the peri-urban areas of the largest city, Suva, and from there spread to other major urban centers of the
largest island, Viti Levu. A very effective vaccination campaign has since been implemented resulting in a rate of two-dose
vaccination, above 70%, that exceeds many higher income countries and, as of late October 2021, the numbers of
COVID-19 cases were in decline. Fijian life, especially in rural settings, is based on hierarchical but supportive community
structures and the responsibilities that flow from community membership, for example, attending large funerals, mitigated
against the organized and systematic control response instituted by the Fijian Ministry of Health and Medical Services,
including vaccination, and the other Government agencies. A positive consequence of the outbreak has been the development of new capabilities, and the distribution of molecular diagnostic technologies that can be exploited to help control other infectious diseases
Information sharing, collaboration, and decision-making during disease outbreaks: the experience of Fiji
No full textABSTRACT
With disease outbreaks rising, responsive and resilient systems are needed. Understanding how disease outbreaks are managed, and how governments, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and international governmental organisations (IGOs) work together to respond is essential. Fifteen key informant interviews and one group interview were conducted with individuals in water and health sectors from the Fijian government, NGOs, and IGOs at the water catchment, divisional, and national levels about decision-making during outbreaks. Thematic analysis found changes in communication, collaboration, and coordination during an outbreak. Communication becomes open, transparent, frequent, and utilises informal pathways including social media. Collaboration increases and becomes more flexible, leading to changes in roles, responsibilities and decision-making. The flexibility helps resource and fund redistribution. Coordination guided by government priorities, funding, laws, adaptability, and flexibility, enables targeted actions including resource prioritisation. Maximising the communication, collaboration, and coordination amongst sectors during disease outbreaks and non-outbreak periods can strengthen system resilience and responsiveness
Mapping the Spatial Variability of Sexually Transmitted Infections across Fiji Health Regions
No full text
