WHO to work with FNU on development of health workforce for Fiji and the Pacific

The World Health Organization will be working with the Fiji National University in areas of critical development of the health workforce for Fiji and the Pacific.

This will be through ongoing training and development, scholarship supports for student and workforce development and supporting research and collaboration.

WHO Western Pacific Regional Director Dr Takeshi Kasai says that monitoring what kind of impact climate change poses on the region should be the first and foremost thing to do as they also plan to work with Fiji and the Pacific to address this issue.

He adds that non‑communicable diseases is also an increasing burden in the region, with approximately 40% of tertiary healthcare costs in 2011 attributed to the treatment of NCD’s.

Dr Kasai also highlighted the importance of conducting research on health issues that would influence policies and global discussions.

Meanwhile the FNU College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Dean, Dr William May says that research is a priority in the region and the College does its best to address this need.