Health and Medical Services Minister, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, launched the Fiji Health Adaptation Plan 2024-2030 at the COP29 forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, last Friday.

Fiji is one of the first Pacific nations to implement such a plan, which aligns with the National Adaptation Plan 2019-2024 and the National Development Plan to address climate change’s health impacts.

The Fiji Health Adaptation Plan builds on over a decade of climate change and health activities in Fiji, continuing the work from the 2016-2022 Climate Change and Health Strategic Action Plan.

The Fiji Health Adaptation Plan is targeting to empower Fijians to create and monitor health-focused adaptation strategies, integrating health into the broader national climate adaptation efforts and enhancing resilience across communities.

Regional Director of the WHO Western Pacific, Dr Saia Piukala, congratulated Fiji for its leadership in climate change and health, encouraging other Pacific Island nations to follow suit.

Dr Lalabalavu thanked the Korean International Cooperation Agency and WHO for their support in developing the plan.

The KOICA-funded project in Fiji has identified 20 healthcare facilities at risk and is working to improve infrastructure to withstand floods and ensure reliable water supplies during disasters.