Challenges faced by those living in the interior and maritime areas cannot be solved overnight, according to Climate Change Minister Mosese Bulitavu.
He said this while handing over a “medical boat” to Lagi Health Centre on Vanua Levu, which caters to a population of 3000, including isolated villages such as Nukudamu, Tilagica Island, and Vunikodi.
“Step by step, we are bringing services closer, strengthening rural health centres, and better equipping our frontline workers,” he said.
He said the Government was making steady progress in improving healthcare access for some of the country’s most isolated communities, adding such services was made possible by partnerships between government agencies, development partners, non-profit organisations and the communities themselves.
For residents served by the health centre, the boat means vaccines, medicines, and health workers can arrive even when the sea is rough or road trips are long and difficult.
Mr Bulitavu cautioned staff to use the boat for its sole purpose, to support emergencies, maternal and child health, and essential outreach services.
“We also call on the community to stand alongside them, to safeguard the boat, to help maintain it, and to treat it as your own.”
