Fiji experts urge stronger disease surveillance and lab investment
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Experts are urging for increased investment in medical laboratory services in Fiji and the Pacific region due to ongoing pandemic and outbreak risks.
- Stronger laboratory systems are deemed essential for public health protection and national security, with timely diagnostics crucial for effective response.
- Preparedness for emerging threats like Ebola and future pandemics begins in laboratories, requiring interconnected, reliable, and timely surveillance systems.
Experts are calling for greater investment in medical laboratory services across Fiji and the wider Pacific region, citing persistent pandemic and outbreak risks. They emphasize that robust laboratory systems are fundamental to safeguarding public health and ensuring national security.
Dr. Tevita Qoriniasi, Acting Deputy Secretary for Public Health, highlighted the critical role of timely and accurate diagnostic results in mounting an effective public health response. He noted that health security now encompasses both national and economic implications, necessitating investment in surveillance systems capable of detecting and responding to emerging threats. This surveillance extends beyond traditional reporting to include laboratory-based, event-based, genomic, antimicrobial, environmental, and digital systems.
Whether responding to an outbreak of influenza, dengue fever, measles, or any antimicrobial resistance or emerging pathogens, our ability to detect the threat early determines the effectiveness of our response.
Dr. Qoriniasi warned that diseases transcend borders, making early detection paramount for response effectiveness, whether dealing with influenza, dengue fever, measles, or antimicrobial resistance. Outbreaks in one nation can disrupt travel and trade, underscoring the need for interconnected, timely, and reliable systems. FNU Associate Professor Dr. Aruna Devi added that preparedness starts in the laboratory, stressing the need for professionals to strengthen research outputs.
Dr. Devi stated that preparedness is no longer optional but a necessity, particularly with the ever-present global threat of emerging outbreaks such as Ebola, avian influenza, and potential future pandemics. She believes that strengthening laboratories will help translate data into actionable evidence for policy and planning, ensuring readiness for unforeseen health crises.
Preparedness is no longer optional; it is necessary, and preparedness begins in the laboratory.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by FBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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