Climate risks urged in Health Bill

Fiji's Ministry of Climate Change is advocating for the inclusion of climate change impacts and extreme weather risks within the nation's proposed Public Health Amendment Bill. Genevieve Jiva, Manager of Policy at the ministry, highlighted this necessity during a submission to the Standing Committee on Social Affairs. Jiva stressed that while climate impacts can be unpredictable, it is crucial for agencies to factor these risks into the development of health policies and regulations.

Jiva noted that existing measures, such as planned relocation guidelines and enhanced building standards, can bolster efforts to shield communities from climate-related threats. "And in particular, for extreme weather events. We are also happy to work with the Ministry in implementing our existing policies around relocation, the planned relocation guidelines and standard operating procedures. We are also working on Category 5 housing plans and building codes, which can be developed in a way to prevent further impacts from climate change and protect public health," she stated.

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And in particular, for extreme weather events. We are also happy to work with the Ministry in implementing our existing policies around relocation, the planned relocation guidelines and standard operating procedures. We are also working on Category 5 housing plans and building codes, which can be developed in a way to prevent further impacts from climate change and protect public health.

The Ministry of Climate Change has specifically recommended that the new Public Health Bill address climate change impacts when planning health infrastructure. Standing Committee Member Aliki Bia confirmed that proposed amendments will extend to villages, empowering authorities with greater capabilities to respond effectively during health emergencies and natural disasters. Bia explained that recognizing villages in the legislation is a key step to strengthening disaster response planning and emergency measures, noting that the Public Health Act had not included villages since 1935.

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So whenever there’s a natural disaster, the power is there. If there’s an outbreak of any disease, they can respond wherever needed. Since 1935, the Public Health Act has not included villages. Now, one of the new amendments includes villages.