Motivation Australia, the Fiji Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) and the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University recently convened the first Wheelchair Provision Forum in Fiji.
The Forum brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies to increase access to appropriate wheelchairs for girls, boys, women and men in Fiji with a mobility disability.
Funded by USAID through the Leadership, Management and Governance Project, the Forum, aims were to
- Raise awareness and understanding of appropriate wheelchair provision;
- Share current experiences in accessing and providing wheelchairs and other mobility devices;
- Build consensus on principles and guidelines for wheelchair service delivery, training of personnel and access to appropriate products.
The Forum was opened by Dr Tuicakau, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services. Dr Tuicakau highlighted that the lack of appropriate wheelchair services for those who need them is a major issue of human rights; and urged all stakeholders, including the Government, to work collaboratively to address the issue in Fiji.
Download the full Forum Report including Consensus Statements here.