AN investment of US$239.5m aimed at strengthening health systems and long-term resilience across the Pacific was officially launched yesterday with the rollout of the Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation Project (PHIT).
Funded by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, OPEC Fund and The Pandemic Fund, the project is a long-term regional investment in health system preparedness and crisis response.
The initiative will be implemented in partnership with Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Tuvalu and the Pacific Community, signalling what leaders described as a new level of regional collaboration in health resilience.
Officiating at the launch in Nadi, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the project would strengthen regional health security and improve the Pacific’s ability to respond to pandemics, climate-related health risks and system shocks.
“A resilient health system is a cornerstone of national stability,” he said.
“The lessons from recent global and regional crises are clear: preparedness, coordination, and strong systems save lives.”
He said the PHIT program would support integrated service delivery, climate-resilient health infrastructure and stronger systems designed to withstand future shocks.
“In Fiji, this is complemented by key national initiatives, including the Colonial War Memorial Hospital Master Plan, developed with partners such as Australia and the World Bank.”
“That will strengthen tertiary care capacity, including the development of a new radiotherapy centre.”
Mr Rabuka said the combined initiatives would strengthen a continuum of care from community health services to specialised treatment.
He added that the project reflects Pacific unity and self-reliance in addressing shared health challenges.
He said the initiative would help Pacific nations lead global discussions on climate-responsive healthcare. n More on Page 29
