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MHMS FIJI

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ADDRESS AT THE FIJI CANCER SOCIETY WEBSITE & REBRANDING LAUNCH

ADDRESS AT THE FIJI CANCER SOCIETY WEBSITE & REBRANDING LAUNCH

25/03/2014

Dr. Neil Sharma – Minister for Health – Fiji

It is indeed a pleasure to be here this evening to witness Fiji Cancer Society launches its website alongside rebranding itself.

However more importantly, I am here to address an area of global concern- Cancer.

Cancer, a non communicable disease has become a global epidemic affecting people of all ages. Unfortunately cancer cases in Fiji have steadily increased over the past several years. Cancer is the 3rd most common cause of death in Fiji.

In Fiji, statistics reveal that there is mostly an increasing incidence of breast, cervix and other reproductive tract cancers in women. In men cancers such as prostate, liver, rectum and lung cancer are becoming commoner.

Since 2009 the Health Ministry has made vast improvements in terms of new advocacy and prevention programs.

We have a much more improved national database in collating cancer statistics. We have recently set up a liquid Cytology screening lab and this was preceded by the introduction of HPV virus vaccination initiative supported by the Fiji and Australian Governments. We have in action the V.I.A (Visual Inspection with Acetic acid and Cyro-cautery) as cost effective means to treat precancerous lesions on the cervix undergoing trials additionally. A rudimentary Domiciliary Palliative Service is operational in Suva and the West with the support of the Fiji Cancer Society.

Cancer remains an area of grave concern to our Government, the Health Ministry and our Country. As such Ministry of Health has taken the lead role by addressing cancer.

Fiji has become a member state of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and representatives from the International Atomic Energy Commission will be here to assist in the establishment of a cancer hospital.

We are indeed grateful towards the Bainimarama Government for endorsing health ministry submissions made towards the establishment of a Cancer hospital, the first of its kind in the small island states in the pacific region.

Currently all cancer cases are being managed in the 3 divisional hospitals (Oncology Units). The local treatment used is in the form of surgical intervention and limited chemotherapy. Those requiring radiotherapy are referred overseas through Government assistance.

Having a Cancer Hospital will centralize all the relevant treatment and management protocols and provide a serene environment for patients and families.

This cancer hospital will now cater for radio therapy facilities which will reduce the number of overseas referrals and ensure cost savings for government.

The Health Ministry through its Wellness Concept has continuously advocated and created awareness on cancer prevention and control program.

The Health Ministry is working with the International Women Agencies and is the final stages of setting up a wellness center for women in Suva. We are also working in partnership with UNFPA and other agencies  towards the setting up of a wellness center in Lautoka.

This center will  provide awareness ,information and services to women on sexual, reproductive health, cancer screenings and counseling sessions.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to launch a new website. This website will provide cancer patients and relatives ,patients and the general public information and access to the work that Fiji Cancer Society undertakes.

We continue to support the Fiji Cancer society and encourage transparency, accountability and responsibility towards public funds and charitable work.

The Health Ministry remains committed towards the reduction of cancer morbidity and mortality, improving the survival rates of cancer cases and improving the quality of life of cancer victims.

Thank you!

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – FIJI JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – FIJI JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS – FIJI JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

06/05/2014

[TAGS: Ministry of Health, Fiji Journal of Public Health, health research, articles, Women and children, health, Environmental Health, climate change, call for submissions, FJPH]

 

June 2014 Issue – Theme: Women and Children’s Health

Submission Deadline 30th May 2014

September 2014 Issue – Theme: Environmental Health and Climate Change

 Submission Deadline 30th August 2014.

The FJPH is a Fiji based journal published for public health practitioners, public health researchers, clinicians and all allied health practitioners. Our goal is to provide evidence based information and analysis they need to enable them to make the right choices and decisions concerning their health and health services provided to ensure better health for all.

We seek to publish articles on public health issues in Fiji ranging from child health, maternal health, neglected tropical diseases, non-communicable diseases, wellness initiatives, environment, climate change, biomedical research, social-economic research, health determinants, and health systems research, health policies, reforms, information, human resources etc. Submissions on other topics are also welcome as long as they relate to public health issues.

We are now accepting submissions for our volume 3, Issue 2, 2014 edition on
the Theme: “Women and Children’s Health”. Submissions are due May 30th
2014.

We would also accept papers/articles that are not directly related to the theme. Please refer to the Instructions to Authors for more information on Submission requirements.

Also Find Below Theme for the September Issue, which is also now Open.

September 2014 Issue Theme: “Environmental Health and Climate Change”. Submission Deadline 30th August 2014. 

For any further questions regarding submissions, email the Editorial team on
fjph12@gmail.com or mere.delai@govnet.gov.fj

 

HEALTH: FIGHT AGAINST DENGUE SHOWS POSITIVE RESULTS

 HEALTH: FIGHT AGAINST DENGUE SHOWS POSITIVE RESULTS

Written By: Website Editor

01/04/2014

The Health Ministry has noted that there is a downward trend in the real time statistics for dengue cases.

It has been a month since the since the intersectoral cleanup campaign took off and apart from this a lot of advocacy, awareness, prevention and precaution for dengue had been highlighted through the media continuously.

Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma said, “The story does not end here and the onus is now on individuals to take charge of their environment. People have to understand the environmental aspect effective on public health”.

“The dengue outbreak is a result of climate change and how we keep our environment”, Dr Sharma added.

It is important to also realize that climate change is also a contributor towards the continuation of dengue cases.

The Health Minister also urges municipalities and Fiji Roads Authority to constantly monitor drainage particularly in densely populated areas.

Waste management is an area that needs to be re looked at and improved especially in densely populated areas such as squatter settlements and housing areas.

The public is also urged not to dispose of rubbish irresponsibly as this leads to drain blockages allowing water to become stagnant, providing dengue mosquito a breeding ground.

“People must realize that the cleanliness of oneself and the environment is crucial as it is all linked to health”, said Dr Sharma.

Public health can be improved by looking after the environment and by cleanliness and hygiene practices.

Meanwhile, Dr Sharma also thanked the Fiji Government and Government ministries for their efforts during the cleanup campaign in the fight against dengue.

The Health Ministry is also grateful to the support received from donor agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Fiji Health Sector Support Program (FHSSP), Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australian Government, UNICEF, Secretariat of the Pacific Community and the Government of China.

 

HEALTH WALK TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

HEALTH WALK TO PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Written By: Evlyn Mani

19/03/2014

In the effort to reduce the high incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases in Fiji, the Health Ministry in partnership with Westpac Bank is promoting “Move for Health Walk” which is an annual event. Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma said globally 6 per cent of deaths each year were attributed to physical inactivity. 

“Move for health basically encourages people to participate in physical activity and this will contribute to healthy living among individuals,” Dr Sharma said. 

“Non-Communicable Diseases has risen over the past years with diabetes at the top but to prevent this we need to eat healthy and exercise regularly.

“People should take ownership of their health and ensure they live a healthy lifestyle.”

Westpac Bank General Manager Adrian Hughes said the annual walk was to create awareness with the aim of combating NCD’s such as diabetes, heart attack and rheumatic heart problems.

The walk in Suva on Saturday will begin at 6am from outside the Suva Bowling Club.
 
“Through these initiatives we are able to create solutions on how we can combat NCD and encourage people to live healthy,” Mr Hughes said. 
He commended the Ministry of Health for its continuous support in combating NCDs and has encouraged every Fijian to be part of the event.

HEALTH MINISTRY REMINDS MUNICIPAL COUNCILS TO ASSIST GOVERNMENT IN COMBATING DENGUE FEVER

HEALTH MINISTRY REMINDS MUNICIPAL COUNCILS TO ASSIST GOVERNMENT IN COMBATING DENGUE FEVER

Written By: Evlyn Mani

18/03/2014

The Ministry of Health is urging municipal councils across the country to prioritise Government’s concerns on dengue fever.

In the past few weeks, Government has intensified its campaign against Dengue Fever. Through the Ministry of Health, Government has called on every Fijian to take a proactive approach and discard or destroy areas that are likely to breed mosquitoes. At the same time, the health ministry has called on the private sector including municipal councils to assist Government to assist in these efforts.

The Central Board of Health has issued a circular to municipalities directing immediate collection of damaged white goods and rubbish from respective areas.

Rubbish disposals remaining on the roadside are prone to collect stagnant water that can breed mosquitoes. However despite the concerns raised by the Health Ministry, piles of rubbish continue to be seen lying on the roadsides for weeks.

For these reasons the Health Ministry reiterates and calls on municipalities to take immediate responsibility in carting and disposing of rubbish from roadsides to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes.