Fiji kicks off a new Global Health Security Program to strengthen animal health systems

The Fijian government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), officially launched the Global Health Security Program (GHSP) for Fiji today in Suva. This project strengthens animal health systems, reduces the risks of emerging zoonotic diseases, and addresses health threats in Fiji and other Pacific countries through a comprehensive One Health approach.

As one of the first countries in the Pacific to operationalize the GHSP project, Fiji is taking a leading role in elevating the region’s preparedness and resilience. The Pacific, encompassing over 22 countries and territories with diverse landscape and unique challenges, currently stands free from major transboundary animal diseases (TADs), meaning highly contagious epidemic diseases that can spread very quickly regardless of national borders, and priority zoonoses, diseases that are transmitted naturally from vertebrate animals to humans and vice versa. The geographical attributes, primarily islands, reinforce the emphasis on preventing disease entry through border biosecurity and surveillance measures.

The region, which is susceptible to climate change, natural disasters, and environmental degradation, is acutely aware of the significance of disease prevention. During the GHSP inception workshop, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways stated: “To maintain our animal health status, effective border biosecurity, surveillance, early warning systems, and emergency preparedness and response are critical. We recognize the importance of the One Health approach in preventing TADs and controlling emerging infectious diseases. We need to collaborate to protect Fiji from animal disease threats.” One Health is an integrated, unifying approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of people, animals and ecosystems. It recognizes that the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment (including ecosystems) are closely linked and interdependent.

Kachen Wongsathapornchai, the Regional Manager of the FAO Emergency Centre for Transboundary Animal Diseases (ECTAD), highlighted key aspects of the project, stating: “The GHSP project not only aims to strengthen animal health systems but also strives for better production practices, improved nutrition, a better environment, and healthier communities. FAO ECTAD's increased footprint in the Pacific region is a demonstration of our commitment to comprehensive, sustainable approaches.”

“We are honored to collaborate with Fiji in addressing the challenges posed by emerging infectious diseases,” expressed Zema Semunegus, the USAID Pacific Islands Mission Director. “Drawing on over 15 years of USAID investment in global health security worldwide, the GHSP project is committed to enhancing Fiji's readiness for disease threats through the comprehensive One Health approach. Our focus lies on strengthening Fiji’s animal health systems to further hone the prevention, detection and response capabilities for animal diseases. This partnership marks a significant step in advancing global health security, aligning with USAID's commitment to such initiatives on a global scale.”

Approximately 40 representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, the USAID Pacific Islands Mission, and implementing partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Pacific Community (SPC), attended the workshop.

The Government of Fiji, FAO and USAID will continue to strengthen animal health systems in Fiji and the broader Pacific region. The GHSP project is committed to building resilient and inclusive One Health systems, mitigating the risks of zoonoses, emerging diseases, antimicrobial resistance and biothreats. The launch event marks a significant step towards a healthier and more secure future for Fiji and its Pacific neighbors.