Australia values Civil Society partnership

The following article was printed in the November/December edition of the City Star Lautoka community newspaper and was written by Sanjay Goundar.

CIVIL society organisations remain an important partner in helping Australia deliver its aid program in Fiji.
Whilst speaking at the Viseisei Sai Health Centre "End of Program" Celebration in Vuda Lautoka on November 21, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Margaret Twomey, stressed that civil society organisations play an active role in ensuring services reach the most vulnerable and marginalised in our communities.
Ms Twomey stressed that Australia’s  partnership with Viseisei Sai Health Centre is a very good example of why they support civil society organisations to deliver programs that complement the Fijian Government’s policies in addressing health issues such as Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
“Access to cost effective and friendly health care services can encourage individuals to adopt health seeking behaviors and lifestyles “We know that healthy individuals are important for economic productivity, improved quality of life and help to reduce the cost and  burden on mainstream health services,” she emphasised.
The Australian Government through their Ausaid program provided a funding of FJ$640,000 to the Viseisei Health Centre to deliver community health and wellness  programs to the local population in the Viseisei Health Zone.
This three and half year partnership  between the Australian Government and the Health Centre came to an end this year. The Australian envoy informed that she was very impressed to learn about the achievements the health centre has made through their funding. She commended Viseisei Health Centre Director Professor Rajat Gyneshwar and his team of doctors and health officials, for their hard work and for delivering quality and holistic health services to the people of Vuda.
“Based on information provided through the Centre, families and communities are now taking steps to consume healthier meals by using healthier cooking methods and increasing their intake of fruits and vegetables. “NCD clients are able to access clinical services at the Centre closer to their homes and get the support they need to control their diabetes and hypertension. “With the support of the Centre, beneficiaries are now more physically active – growing their own vegetables and some are even members of the local community Zumba and Volleyball clubs,” she revealed.

Australian High Commissioner Margaret Twomey presenting certificates to students in the Vuda cluster during the program organised by the Viseisei Health Centre.

Viseisei Health Centre Director Professor Rajat Gyneshwar (left) with Australian High Commissioner Margaret Twomey presenting gardening equipment to schools in the Vuda cluster.

Photos: Sanjay Goundar.