Located in the southern Pacific is the nation of Fiji. This island country is comprised of 300 separate islands in which two of the largest islands are populated by the majority of the Fijians.
If the question were posed to the uninformed individual regarding the culture, education and the quality of life in Fiji, that individual may respond with words such as primitive, underdeveloped, nonexistent, etc. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, one specific area of service that distinguishes this country from other comparable countries is the quality of healthcare that is provided to its residents. Of particular note is baby care in Fiji. Baby care in Fiji is provided by the government and is distinguished by its attention given to prevention.
Government Health Care In Fiji
Healthcare provided in Fiji is administered through the government and is provided at no charge to the citizens of Fiji. The medical care standards maintained and provided are rated as above average in comparison to other similar cultures. In fact, one of the largest expenses for the government of Fiji is the provision of
health care.
In addition to the healthcare system of Fiji, which provides for the medical needs of its residents, incorporated into the healthcare budget is the financing of preventative measures. These preventative measures include birth control and addressing medical issues surrounding HIV/AIDS.
In regards to baby care in Fiji it is important to note that the quality of this healthcare is demonstrated through the prenatal care of the expectant mother and child. Part of this quality of care is reflected through the average life expectancy for women. This life expectancy, for the women of Fiji, is nearly 70 years of age.
Immunizations
Another important component to health care in this country, and specifically baby care in Fiji, is the realization of the importance of immunizations for infants. Specifically, one disease that has had devastating effects upon the infant population of this country is a strain of pneumonia. This pneumonia is not only the leading cause of morbidity of children in Fiji, but world-wide as well.
Through the government's commitment to provide quality healthcare to Fijians and specifically provide quality and baby care in Fiji, the medical system provides a vaccine treatment program for the infants.
This particular vaccination strategy combines the use of two types of vaccines. One vaccine is used to prime or begin the production of antibodies to combat this strain of pneumonia. The first vaccine wards off any initial attacks by this disease. The second administered vaccine, which by itself offers no protection, is administered in conjunction with the first vaccine to provide a booster effect. This process allows for ongoing protection of the child.
This vaccination treatment process in this country, as part of the baby care in Fiji, led the way in introducing and formalizing this plan of action amongst its peers. Although an expensive preventative measure it speaks of the commitment of this Pacific based nation to provide quality babe care in Fiji.
By :
Ann Marier
