The recently launched maternal and child health policy aims to set clear standards for maternal health care services, permanent secretary for Health and Medical Services Dr Jemesa Tudravu.
Officiating at the policy launch in Nadi, Dr Tudravu said maternal and child health care have been maintained at a desirable level, but ultimately depended on knowledge and skills passed through generations.
“After the difficult period of responding to COVID-19, standardisation of services is important to streamline delivery and enable a better response to the next health emergency,” he said.
“As a result, the project team believes the policy is very practical and can provide clear guidance to all MCH service providers in Fiji to improve and maintain quality services.”
Dr Tudravu said the policy began in September 2023 with key personnel in maternal and child health and medical services engaged in its drafting.
“The Family Health Unit, in collaboration with the JICA expert team, held a policy drafting retreat in December 2023, after which the policy development was greatly accelerated.
“The project team conducted small consultations at as many health centres as possible, to listen to frontline MCH service providers.”
Dr Tudravu commended the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), for its support in bringing this policy to fruition.
World Health Organization regional director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Piukala said the policy combined fragmented policies from family planning and immunisation to early childhood care into one framework.
