Geographical Locations - Fiji

• WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) in Manila (Philippines)
• Tobacco or Health: country profile (provided by CDC / OSH)
• CIA - World Factbook : Fiji

Organisations and Networks

UN and Multinational

• WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) in Manila (Philippines)
• WHO - Environmental Burden of Disease: Country Profile – Fiji
• Tobacco or Health: Country Profile (provided by CDC / OSH)
• Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)

Government

• Fiji Government
  - Ministry of Health

Non-Government

• Foundation of the Peoples of the South Pacific International

Academic Institutions

• University of the South Pacific

National Policy and Related Documents

• Fiji HIV/TB Surveillance Policy

Reports, Guidelines, and Projects

• A Health Information System in Fiji: Discussion on the Implementation of a National Health Number and the Methodology of Synchronizing a Number of Remote Databases
  This paper is based on experience with the design and implementation of the Patient Information System (patient based) (PATIS) that is being implemented across medical facilities in Fiji with the financial assistance of the Australian Government Overseas Aid Agency (AusAID) and the Government of Fiji. The paper initially outlines the scope and technical infrastructure of the PATIS in Fiji before focusing on two fundamental areas of the system. The implementation of a National Health Number (NHN) is discussed in detail outlining the objectives, production, implementation strategies, problems encountered and solutions applied. To implement an NHN it was necessary to design a reliable, but affordable, methodology to synchronise the medical information across multiple facilities on a nightly basis. The paper discusses the innovative use of “off the shelf” products to effectively synchronise multiple databases, how the system is structured and monitored and various issues that have arisen since implementation. [author abstract] [Proceedings of the 37th Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences - 2004]
• A Short History of Leprosy Control in Fiji
  "With a better understanding of leprosy in Fiji and the region, continued support from funding and technical partners, and the integration of leprosy control into the general health services, Fiji should successfully eradicate leprosy as a public health problem." [Pacific Health Voices, 2008]
• Burden of Stroke Among Fiji's Older Persons
  Over the years, Fiji has managed to contain most infectious diseases through its very successful immunisation program, improved hygiene and living conditions, and safe water supply. Non-communicable diseases have emerged with their resultant chronic and disabling effects. The gradual ageing of the population has also contributed to an emergence of chronic and disabling conditions related to the ageing process. There is a high prevalence of chronic disability, largely caused by preventable diseases found among persons of working age and in the young old (60-74 years). Data collected by the Ministry of Health show a rising incidence of stroke in the past 4 decades. Recent work has confirmed that a high proportion of the elderly admitted to general medical wards with disorders of cerebrovascular, cardiovascular and respiratory conditions had a high prevalence of co-morbidities. This study examines the stroke as an emerging health problem for the older population of Fiji. The data selected for this study was from the population-based CounterStroke Register for 1991-2001. Analysis was conducted to determine distribution patterns among stroke victims and projections calculated for the next 30 years. This analysis provides useful information for comparison with other less developed countries and a guide for developing preventive measures, health education and promotion programs on stroke in Fiji and among other Pacific Island countries. The results from this study will be used to improve health care service delivery for stroke victims and stimulate further research on population and health issues in the Pacific. [author abstract] [Paper presented at the 2002 IUSSP Regional Population Conference, Siam City Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, 10-12 June, 2002]
• DF/DHF and Its Control in Fiji
  Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) first appeared in Fiji in 1975, with subsequent outbreaks in 1979-80, 1989-90 and 1997-98. The 1997-98 outbreak of DF/DHF was explosive with 24,000 cases and 13 deaths when the disease also spread to rural areas. The epidemiology of DF in Fiji is unique, as urban and rural transmissions occur through different sets of species. Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedes polynesiensis and Aedes pseudoscutellaris are abundant in urban, peri-urban and rural habitats, whereas Aedes horrescens and Aedes rotumae have a more patchy distribution. Therefore, Fiji’s dengue control efforts cannot be focused just on urban Aedes aegypti as elsewhere in the world. In Fiji, integrated methods of vector control placing particular emphasis on source reduction through strategically developed health promotion campaigns and community participation backed up by law enforcement are in place. Chemical control is not used as a routine measure in Fiji except during DF/DHF outbreaks. An active surveillance system for early warning and detection of potential DF/DHF outbreak has been established following the 1997-98 epidemic (clinical, laboratory-based surveillance and entomological). For the first time these surveillance systems have coordinated well to address dengue control in Fiji and to activate appropriate public health response from communities. [publication abstract] [Dengue Bulletin, Vol 25, 2001, pp.21-27]
• Fiji Food & Nutrition
  "National nutrition surveys in Fiji are held approximately at ten year intervals. The first survey was conducted during 1980-81, the second in 1993 and the third and most recent in 2004. One percent of all households in Fiji participated in the survey. The 2004 results were published in November last year. Results from past decades have shown that Fiji has unfortunately been following the unhealthy trends seen in developed countries, notably with weight gain and high blood pressure. As people get heavier, the numbers having high blood pressure and diabetes increases [sic]. Ministry of Health annual reports document that diseases associated with lifestyle are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Our choice of food together with decreasing physical activity contributes to the development of lifestyle or non-communicable diseases. The saying that “we are what we eat” is reflected nationally in nutritional indicators." [National Food & Nutrition Centre, Ministry of Health, Women and Social Welfare, Issue 1, 2008 Vol. 33 No. 1]
• Mental health services in Fiji
  "One of the biggest hurdles facing mental health development in Fiji is the stigma associated not only with mental illness but also with St. Giles Hospital itself. This stigma has fostered a very tragic catch- 22 scenario whereby people are reluctant to seek assistance for mental health problems while their conditions worsen, sometimes resulting in them being brought to St. Giles Hospital forcibly, adding again to the stigma associated with being mentally unwell. Also associated with the stigma surrounding mental illness are the many misconceptions, myths and traditional beliefs linked to the development of mental illness which prevent people from seeking appropriate assistance and turning to alternative means of treatment. There is a dire need to educate the public and promote community awareness on mental health issues" [guest editorial by Dr Odille Chang]. Includes articles on Substance abuse in primary health care; Depression and anxiety – a G.P. perspective; and Accounting for VAT and annual returns. [GP: Journal of The Fiji College of General Practitioners, Volume 15, Number 2, June 2007]
• Mental health workers’ attitudes toward mental illness in Fiji
  Objective: To survey mental health workers’ attitudes toward mental illness in Fiji as a means of understanding the attitudes of these staff. Design: A questionnaire survey using a previously validated scale: Attitudes Toward Acute Mental Health Scale (ATAMHS 33), was modified and distributed to registered nurses and mental health workers at a major mental health care setting in Fiji. The ATAMH (33) is a 33 item measure of attitudes developed specifically for use within inpatient mental health settings. Setting: A major in-patient mental health care setting in Fiji providing primary, secondary and tertiary care. Subjects: 71 registered nurses and medical orderlies in a mental health setting in Fiji completed the measure. Main outcome measure: The identification of mental health workers’ attitudes toward mental illness in Fiji. Results: The participants expressed both positive and negative attitudes toward individuals in mental health care. Positive attitudes can be identified in a range of answers to questions including psychosocial causational beliefs and when comparisons were made with physical health issues. Negative attitudes were expressed with respect to alcohol abuse and lack of self control, individuals with mental illness lacking control over their emotions, psychotropic medications being used to control disruptive behaviour, and that mental illness is caused by genetic factors. A number of questions provided mixed responses. Conclusions: This paper provides a baseline of attitudinal measure of mental health workers in Fiji toward mental illness. It will enable future educational interventions to be evaluated and comparison to be made with other cultures and countries in the South Pacific region. [author abstract] [Australian Journal of Advanced Nursing, Volume 25, Number 3, pp.72-79, March-May 2008]
• Sociocultural factors relating to Tongans' and Indigenous Fijians' patterns of eating, physical activity and body size
  This paper reviews literature between 1974 and 2007 that addresses the impact of sociocultural factors on reported patterns of eating, physical activity (activity) and body size of Tongans and indigenous Fijians (Fijians) in their countries of origin. There have been changes in diet (more imported and fewer traditional foods), activity (reduced, especially in urban settings), residence (rural-urban shift) and body size (increased obesity and at a younger age). The prevalence of overweight/obesity in Tongans and Fijians has increased rapidly over the last two decades and remains among the highest in the world (>80% in Tonga; >40% in Fiji), with more females reported to be obese than males. The few studies that investigated sociocultural influences on patterns of eating, activity and/or body size in this population have examined the impact of hierarchical organisation, rank and status (sex, seniority), values (respect, care, co-operation) and/or role expectations. It is important to examine how sociocultural factors influence eating, activity and body size in order to i) establish factors that promote or protect against obesity, ii) inform culturally-appropriate interventions to promote healthy lifestyles and body size, and iii) halt the obesity epidemic, especially in cultural groups with a high prevalence of obesity. There is an urgent need for more systematic investigations of key sociocultural factors, whilst taking into account the complex interplay between sociocultural factors, behaviours and other influences (historical; socioeconomic; policy; external global influences; physical environment). [author abstract] [Asia Pac J Clin Nutr 2008; 17 (3): 375-384]
• Strengthening Fiji’s national poverty policies in the context of regionalism
  Although Fiji is the most affluent South Pacific island nation, its history of coups and failed policies reflects missed opportunities by pushing more people into poverty. The question addressed here is whether Fiji’s economic policies over the past decade have been pro-poor, and if not, what direction should policy take? Increasing domestic economic activities, livelihood schemes, and assistance via regionalism are seen as important ways to build labour capacity for economic growth and poverty reduction. Actions to address poverty should be based on mutual obligations of individuals, government, and foreign aid. [publication abstract] [Pacific Economic Bulletin, Volume 22, Number 2, 2007, pp.91-103]
• UNGASS 2008 Country Progress Report: Fiji – Reporting period: 1 January 2006-31December 2007
  "Fiji has a cumulative figure of 259 HIV positive cases (from year `1989 to December 2007), therefore classified as low prevalence under the WHO classification… From 1989 in the next decade or so, Fiji has passed the slow burning stage of the disease. The trend now is that in the past four to five years, Fiji is in the escalating phase of the disease. However, these figures only reflect laboratory confirmed and reported cases. These figures may be under-reported due to various factors, including insufficient surveillance, a large number has not presented for testing due to a lack of information, stigma and discrimination. The number of new infections has levelled of[f] in the years 2006 and 2007. However, it is too early to definitely state that the trend is reversing. Youth continues to be the most affected group, and the Fijian ethnic group still with a disproportionate majority. Heterosexual transmission is the main reported mode of transmission, followed by peri-natal transmission. There is also a tie in with increasing number of female positive cases." [Fiji National Advisory Committee on AIDS Secretariat, Public Health Division, Ministry of Health, 31 January 2008]

Educational Resources

• Fiji Museum - this is a rich resource on the culture of Fiji and other South Pacific Islands
• CDC - Travel Information: Australia and the South Pacific
• Rotuma Island - Rotuma is a volcanic island of approximately 43 sq. kilometres, located at 12 degrees south latitude and 177 degrees east longitude, approximately 465 kilometres north of Fiji. Although the island has been politically part of Fiji since 1881, Rotuman culture more closely resembles that of the Polynesian islands to the east, most noticeably Tonga, Samoa, Futuna and Uvea. Because of their Polynesian appearance and distinctive language, Rotumans now constitute a recognizable minority group within the Republic of Fiji