The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation led REACH programme has been assisting the COVID-19 vaccination campaign led by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services since May this year.
Echoing the Ministry’s support, Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar, said that this is also an opportunity to expand COVID-19 awareness and strengthen service delivery to the vulnerable communities.
“The Ministry’s current position is to support the Government, in any way, to vaccinate the majority of Fijians in the urban and peri – urban areas, who may face difficulties in commuting to nearby MOH fixed vaccination facilities,” Minister Akbar said.
“We also see this is an opportunity to expand COVID awareness and also strengthen service delivery to our citizens.”
Minister Akbar added that the 3 mobile REACH buses had been very useful, particularly with the vaccination campaign.
“The Ministry provided 3 Mobile REACH Buses and staff to assist the Ministry of Health. The vaccination bus is travelling around the designated Suva area, offering a walk – in service to any Fijian this week.
“I also convey my utmost appreciation to all the front line workers including my Ministry staff that have sacrificed their safety and their family time, in the midst of the crisis to stand up to the call of the Fijian Government.”
Minister Akbar also encouraged all Fijians to get vaccinated, so that we can protect our families, friends and communities with the aim to bring back normalcy in the country.
The Rights, Empowerment and Cohesion (REACH) programme is a demonstration of trust, care and humility by the Fijian Government to bring critical services to all Fijians, particularly, those who are physically, geographically and or financially marginalised.
The REACH programme has been exceptionally well led by Mr. Filipe Nayacalevu since 2016, and due to his leadership REACH was able to adapt and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, the Ministry extends its best wishes to Mr Nayacalevu as he takes up a new senior appointment with the Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and National Disaster Management.
The Ministry will be advertising the role of the REACH coordinator in the near future and encourages hard working enthusiastic project managers to apply.