Climate change challenges the achievement of universal health coverage – Waqainabete

Minister for Health Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says climate change challenges the achievement of universal health coverage as it poses a threat to reaching the unreached people particularly communities that are affected by sea level rise and coastal inundation.

While speaking during the Guidelines for Climate Resilient and Environmentally Sustainable Health Care Facilities in Fiji Training workshop, Dr. Waqainabete says universal health coverage means that all people have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.

He adds in the past years government has been investing in the health sector to ensure that Fijian people can access essential health services without any financial burden.

The Health Minister says best practices have shown that strengthened and climate resilient health systems are a means to achieving universal health coverage and they should be investing in building climate resilient health systems that protect our people from the health impacts of climate change.

He adds health system strengthening refers to significant and purposeful efforts to improve health system’s performance demonstrating quality, equity, efficiency, accountability, resilience and sustainability.