Participants at FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences Pacific Health Research Seminar Towards Evidence-Based Practice seminar.

The Fiji National University’s (FNU) progressive mission is to serve the people, economy and society of Fiji and the region through a key objective of providing research with real-world impact, highlighted FNU’s Acting Vice-Chancellor, Dr William May.

Speaking at the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences’ (CMNHS), Pacific Health Research Seminar: Towards Evidence-Based Practice seminar, Dr May commended the College for providing a research dissemination platform that consisted of various stakeholders.

The two-day event in Suva included FNU academics and Master’s students, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services , Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts, Ministry of Women, Social Welfare and Poverty Alleviation, regional and international agencies, NGOs and institutional partners such as Monash University, University of Sydney and The George Institute for Global Health Australia.

Dr William May.

Master’s students from CMNHS’ School of Medical Sciences and School of Public Health and Primary Care were provided with the opportunity to present their research findings at the health seminar.

“I hope that the research findings from these two days of presentations will influence and inform policies better,” Dr May said.

“Implementation of these findings being embedded into policy briefs for regulation purposes would ensure relevance and valid policies are passed and that information disseminated is current.”

“We are aware of the numerous obstacles and issues to deliver relevant, timely and cost-efficient health services and therein realise Universal Health Coverage for resource-challenged Small Islands Developing States (SIDs) such as Fiji and the region’s populations during peace times.”

Dr May also acknowledged the College and its staff and students for conducting their research amidst a pandemic.

“I commend the College for its ability to promptly adapt its learning and teaching modes of delivery and academic processes to enable students, including those we will be hearing from today, to not only successfully complete their courses and programmes but especially, to excel in them,” he highlighted.

“Through the seminar, the College has identified a strategic opportunity and created an interactive research space where key stakeholders gather to ponder and deliberate on critical health-related issues identified through research, and thereafter to forge best-fit sustainable solutions for our countries and the Pacific Islands region.”

“In the process, we simultaneously inculcate in our students the FNU values of care, honesty, accountability, service and excellence.”

Dr Donald Wilson.

CMNHS Acting Dean Dr Donald Wilson added that the inaugural seminar would provide medical research students to present findings and data that contributed toward evidence-based decision-making and strengthen health systems around the region.

“Through its research arm, the Fiji Institute of Pacific Health Research (FIPHR), the College highlights its commitment to enhancing research interest and capacity amongst our students and staff,” Dr Wilson said.

“In recognition of our own history of more than 100 years as a leading regional provider of health education and training, CMNHS is keen to continue being a local partner in the process of health systems.”

“We acknowledge the Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE), our collaborators from Monash University, Standford University, Live and Learn Environmental Education and the University of the South Pacific, as well as the Watershed Interventions for Systems Health in Fiji (WISH Fiji), University of Sydney, Edith Cowan University and the Wildlife Conservation Society for supporting this event.”

Students interested in studying at CMNHS or other Colleges at FNU can visit the Fiji National University website on www.fnu.ac.fj to view the wide range of study opportunities available.

For enquiries relating to applications or minimum entry requirements for programmes, please send your email to admission@fnu.ac.fj