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|  | AusAID and health services in Fiji : a case study of non-communicable diseases
Author: Khan, Mahzabeen Nisha
Institution: University of the South Pacific.
Award: M.A. Development Studies
Subject: Economic assistance, Australian -- Fiji, Public health -- Economic aspects -- Fiji
Date: 2014
Call No.: Pac HC 60 .K53 2014
BRN: 1198115
Copyright:Under 10% of this thesis may be copied without the authors written permission
Abstract: Health is a critical development issue. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are one of the critical health-development challenges globally and also in the Pacific Island countries (PICs) including Fiji. There has been a global shift in disease incidences from communicable to non-communicable diseases in all regions. NCDs, the life-style diseases, are one of the major killers today and a threat to development and to humankind. With growing ageing population, globalization, and urbanization, the incidence of NCDs is rising unprecedently and putting a heavy economic burden on governments. To supplement government’s efforts, there have been increasing aid flows to health services especially towards NCDs in the PICs including Fiji. AusAID is one of the major donors providing substantial aid to improve health services including prevention of NCDs in Fiji. However, there exists no systematic study so far analysing the effectiveness of aid to health services and particularly to NCDs in Fiji. The thesis attempts to bridge the information and knowledge gaps. The study adopted a qualitative methodological approach, using both primary and secondary sources of information to study AusAID support towards NCDs in Fiji. A sample of fifty people was selected from the diabetes patients in the Diabetes Centre, Suva. The study found clear linkages between NCDs and disability, poverty, ageing, trade and urbanization. The data collated from the survey established a strong correlation between changing lifestyles and increasing incidence of NCDs in Fiji. The study found that diabetes is one of the major contributing factors in the increasing incidence of amputation cases leading to physical disabilities in Fiji. A systematic in-depth study is, however, required to collate diabetes statistics for policy development and preventive measures. The study found the AusAID programme for health services and especially towards NCDs in Fiji faces numerous challenges in enhancing its effectiveness. The monitoring and evaluation systems for aid in the health sector need to be strengthened in order to be more effective and achieve their intended goals.
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