Publications
Summary of publication
This program design update outlines the goals of Australia’s support to Fiji’s health sector from January 2022 to December 2024. It is the second phase of the Fiji Health Program (FHP) and is part of the Fiji Program Support Facility. Australia’s bilateral aid program invests about AUD 5-6 million per year into strengthening health services in Fiji, accounting for about 30 per cent of the Facility’s total budget.
The outbreak and response to COVID-19 has dominated Fiji’s health sector over the past two years, shifting priorities and resources. Despite this, many long-term challenges – such as weaknesses in health systems and the rise of non-communicable diseases and disability – continue.
The strategic case for Australian engagement in the Fiji health sector continues to be strong. Phase 2 of FHP delivers against DFAT’s COVID-19 Development Response Plan for Fiji which commits to increasing support for public health programs, particularly improvements in the quality of health service delivery, evidence-based policies and systems, preparedness for health emergencies at CWM Hospital and more efficient, reliable medical supply chains. FHP also aligns with Australia and Fiji’s broader Vuvale Partnership, which focuses attention on improving health service delivery with a focus on vulnerable groups (including persons with disabilities). Building on the success of Australia and Fiji’s joint response to the COVID pandemic, FHP will continue supporting MHMS by delivering rapid support in emergencies and delivering long-term changes to make the health system more effective, efficient and relevant to the ‘new normal’ way of living and working in Fiji.
This design update provides a ‘refresh’ of the original design, adopting lessons from COVID, aligning with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Strategic Plan 2020-2025, and incorporating recommendations from the Strategic Review of the Fiji Health Program undertaken in early 2022. Each project was developed in consultation with MHMS and partners and endorsed at the Program Coordination Committee in June 2022.