Kiwa WISH+ project launched its latest policy brief "“Realizing the Healthy Islands Vision through Cross-Sector Planning, Data, and Action”

The Kiwa WISH+ project launched its latest Policy Brief, “Realizing the Healthy Islands Vision through Cross-Sector Planning, Data, and Action”, during the Oceania Planetary Health Forum in Fiji last month!

Fiji and other Pacific Island countries face a high risk of communicable disease outbreaks caused by endemic, emerging and re-emerging diseases, which are influenced by social, economic and ecological changes. Despite numerous health-related projects and programs in the country and region, morbidity and mortality from a wide range of diseases seem to be rising. Existing strategies for improving primary health care emphasise access to clinical services, with less attention to addressing the broader determinants of health and empowering communities and individuals. While One Health principles are embodied in regional and national policies, there are few examples of One Health implementation to guide practice.

Developed in collaboration with our partners, experts, and stakeholders, the brief outlines strategies to tackle water-related health challenges, the impacts of climate change, evolving land use, and social dynamics. It also emphasizes the need for robust data to inform better reporting processes and effective, results-driven solutions for achieving the Healthy Islands Vision in the Pacific.

The policy brief was presented and discussed during a workshop at the OPHF. Participants reflected on the barriers to implementing a systems health approach in the Pacific and the policy reform needed to fully enable cross-sectoral coordination. They also highlighted the need for innovative financing approached that could enable sustained implementation of systems-health approach in the region.

To read the note click the link below:
pdf WISH+ - Policy Brief - Realising the healthy islands vision through cross-sector planning, data, and action(4.12 MB)