SUVA, Fiji, September 3, 2026 — Climate change has evolved in Fiji from being solely associated with higher sea levels, bad weather, and shrinking coastlines to an issue raised by the inability of hospitals and health facilities in Fiji’s health care system to work effectively when it matters.
As said by Manoa Kamikamica, the Deputy Prime Minister of Fiji, climate change must be considered not only as an environmental problem but also a new danger to people’s health and the economy in general. While addressing during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Pacific Islands’ Health Research Symposium at Fiji National University, Kamikamica said that research must lead to decisive action on facilities, personnel, and government investment.
The warning comes as Fiji continues to grapple with a combination of cyclones, floods, droughts, sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, and other changes in vector-borne diseases. These factors are likely to damage health care facilities while also increasing the demand for health care.
The dimensions of the task are astonishing. The climate risks and vulnerabilities assessment initiated by the Strengthening Health Adaptation Project-Responding to Climate Change (SHAPE) has reviewed 204 health facilities in Fiji and found over 50 that are at risk of being hit hard and has also unearthed one of the many laboratories in urgent need of severe upgrades. The project cost $6.41 million and was conducted with the cooperation of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services of Fiji, the WHO, and the Korea International Cooperation Agency.
The challenges extend beyond the physical structures. A climate-proof health facility must have a reliable source of power, access to potable water, proper sanitation, trained staff, and effective operation during extreme weather events. The WHO declared that Fiji has already begun renovating its structures, solarising its facilities, and fixing water and sanitation systems. By October 30, 2025, there should be 18 facilities being solarised and over 600 healthcare practitioners trained to face climate threats.
A good instance occurred on April 15, 2026, when the newly renovated and solar-powered Navunikabi Nursing Station was opened by Fiji. The centre serves over 1,500 patients while providing vital health services like maternity, child and outpatient services.
In Fiji’s case, the warning is clear: a hospital is not a sanctuary if a storm proves capable of rendering it non-operational. Thus, the next battle of Fiji may not be just with extreme weather conditions but also for the survival of their healthcare services.
