Fijian families and farmers could be better protected from infectious diseases and threats to agricultural production, through a new partnership between Fiji and the United States aimed at detecting diseases earlier and responding before outbreaks spread further.
The Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) programme was launched at Tamavua Twomey Hospital this afternoon, bringing together the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways, the United States Government and other partners.
Speaking at the launch, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Health Dr Aalisha Sahu Khan says Fiji's experiences with COVID-19, dengue and influenza have shown the importance of having strong health systems in place before an outbreak occurs.
Dr Sahu Khan says Fiji already has capable laboratories and dedicated health workers, but ensuring these services remain reliable and effective in the long term is important.
She says the programme will help improve laboratory facilities, maintain reliable supplies, strengthen the skills of health workers and allow faster sharing of test results so authorities can respond quickly to disease threats.
Dr Sahu Khan also highlights the importance of stronger cooperation between human and animal health services, along with regular emergency response exercises to ensure Fiji is prepared for future outbreaks.
Meanwhile, Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Tomasi Tunabuna says the programme is equally important for protecting farmers, livestock and food security.
Tunabuna says thousands of families depend on healthy crops, livestock and reliable agricultural production for their livelihoods.
He says climate change is already affecting Fiji's food production through changing rainfall patterns, prolonged dry periods, severe flooding, rising temperatures and increasing risks from pests and diseases.
The Minister says these challenges threaten food security, livelihoods and the country's long-term development.
Tunabuna says the health of people, animals and the environment is closely connected, and a disease outbreak affecting one can have consequences for the others.
He says stronger disease monitoring, laboratory testing and biosecurity measures will help Fiji identify threats earlier, reduce losses for farmers and protect agricultural production.
Tunabuna adds that improving biosecurity will also help protect food supplies and strengthen confidence among farmers and investors.
Meanwhile, United States Chargé d’Affaires Christina Cavallo says the partnership will help Fiji identify infectious disease threats sooner, respond faster and save lives.
Cavallo says the United States will support improvements in laboratory testing for humans and animals, the safe transport of samples and stronger laboratory safety measures.
She says training will also be provided for laboratory workers and disease monitoring staff, while information sharing between agencies will be strengthened.
The US Embassy says the programme was developed in consultation with Fiji's health and agriculture leaders, laboratory scientists, disease monitoring teams and biosecurity officials.
It says the initiative will also help protect people across the Pacific by reducing the risk of infectious diseases spreading between countries.
STRIDES is led by international development organisation FHI 360, together with its partners Black & Veatch and PATH.
The programme aims to strengthen Fiji's preparedness for future disease outbreaks while protecting public health, agricultural production and livelihoods.
