Servant Of All, A Driving Factor For Mataika
Jeremaia Mataika’s humble upbringing and willingness to serve brought him to where he is today.
He is the Director for the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services (FPBS).
Despite the challenges in life, it never deterred the 43-year-old from striving to be the best.
About him
Mr Mataika hails from Natauloa, Nairai in Lomaiviti and has maternal links to Lamiti, Gau, Lomaiviti.
The former Ratu Kadavulevu School student said his boarding experience built him to survive any situation in life.
He started his primary school at Naroi Village in Moala.
His father was a Postmaster and was posted to Nairai. Mr Mataika completed his Primary years at Nairai District School.
“My primary school and secondary education can be described as exciting and challenging. It has shaped me to always work hard to reach where I am today,” Mr Mataika said.
“To be away from my parents was hard and going through challenges at boarding schools can be tough but it made me stronger.
“After Year 12, I joined the University of the South Pacific and completed my foundation studies.
“I decided to go back and do Year 13 just because I wanted to play in the Secondary School Deans challenge with other friends.”
Mr Mataika completed Year 13 and joined Fiji School of Medicine where he graduated with a diploma in Pharmacy.
Sacrifices and Work
Mr Mataika said his interest in Health was developed from his grandfather who was a Doctor.
The Mataika House where the Fiji Centre for Communicable Disease Control (FCCDC) is was named after his grandfather.
“The support from my Parents, brother, sister and relatives has always been the backbone with good guidance,” Mr Mataika said.
“I started in 2001 with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the rest is History.
“Passion to serve and being able to bring comfort to someone who needs help is always my driving factor.”
Motivation
“My mother was always my Motivator, a God-fearing lady and she will share with us all the Bible verses that will motivate me,” he said.
“And now it’s my family inclusive close relatives, friends and work colleagues, which drives me to do better.”
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