Fiji’s representatives were among 34 technically qualified members of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Executive Board that met for its 144th Session which started on January 24, at Geneva, Switzerland.

The two weeks meeting will consider a wide range of health issues including the WHO Operation Budget, Global Health Issues and the Implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Fiji is the only Pacific Island Country represented in the Executive Board which provides further leverage for the country to enhance our voice at the global platform.

In his opening remarks following the director general’s opening remarks, Fiji’s head of delegation, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete, Minister for Health and Medical Services, congratulated Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus for his leadership and achievements.

Pacific’s priority is addressing NCDs, Nexus between Climate Change and Health Reforms

In particular on addressing the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD), Nexus between Climate Change and Health Reforms which is a priority for the Pacific, Dr Waqainabete said: “Fiji congratulates the director general and the secretariat in its efforts to enhance the fight against NCDs which is a major challenge in our region in the Pacific.

“We would like to call on the director general to maintain the effort on strengthening the internship programme for our young and vibrant health work force. In this regard, Fiji aligns itself to the proposed resolution on Reform of the Global internship programme discussed at the 71st World Health Assembly.

“We wish to inform that building the capacity of our future leaders in our respective countries and the current reforms on the internship programme, specifically the assistance and support to developing island nations internship programmes improves equity in knowledge capability and enhances better interaction and access to WHO and its initiatives.

“Climate change and the NCD nexus is a major concern and their effects on the Pacific is a testimony of this emerging dilemma. “

Fiji is represented on WHO Executive Board with Australia, China, Japan and Vietnam

Fiji is represented in the Executive Board for the first time in the five Western Pacific seat in addition to Australia, China, Japan and Vietnam.

The annual board meeting is held annually in January where the members agree on the agenda for the World Health Assembly in May and the resolutions to be considered by the Health Assembly.

The main functions of the board are to implement the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly and facilitate its work.

The board meeting will close on Friday 1, February 2019.

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