THE late Speaker of Parliament Dr Jiko Luveni has been internationally recognised as a true champion of health, women empowerment and social welfare.
This is after the Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Iferemi Waqainabete received the global health award on her behalf at the 72nd World Health Assembly in Geneva.
According to a statement the award is given to those who have championed the cause of health, successfully influence political agenda and contributed to raising awareness on health issues internationally.
Dr Waqainabete said Dr Luveni has made enormous contribution to the fight against HIV/AIDs
“Many of the achievements we have made in service delivery for people living with HIV/AIDS, and social protection, can be directly attributed to her efforts,” he said.
Dr Luveni was the first Fijian woman to graduate as a dentist from the Fiji School of Medicine. She was a lifelong health and social advocate.
In 2014, she became the first female Speaker of the Parliament in Fiji.
She passed away last year.
