The Fiji National University’s (FNU) Nasinu Campus has become the first institution in Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia to receive recognition under the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Healthy Campus Programme.

The recognition acknowledges FNU’s effort in taking on the FISU Healthy Campus accreditation programme of creating a healthier, more supportive and sustainable campus environment for its students and staff.

The FISU Healthy Campus Programme is a self-paced accreditation model that provides universities with a framework to promote health, and wellbeing,  and continuous improvement across campus life. It covers areas such as physical activity, nutrition, mental health, disease prevention, sustainability and overall wellbeing.

FNU Pro Vice-Chancellor Learning and Teaching, Professor Jimaima Lako, said the decision to participate in the programme, came from a need to encourage staff and students to make their health and wellbeing a priority.

“FNU is deeply honoured to receive this recognition from FISU, and we sincerely thank FISU for acknowledging the University’s vision to create a healthier campus community.”

“This is more than an award. It recognises the work of our staff and students to make health, wellbeing and sustainability an important part of university life,” Professor Lako said.

She added that the programme had helped FNU bring greater focus to health and wellbeing across the University, while supporting student lifestyles, academic performance and social connection through the FNU Executive Public Leadership cohort as the taskforce in the implementation of this programme. In addition, it also strengthens FNU’s focus on sustainability and social responsibility.

“Through the Healthy Campus Programme, FNU is taking deliberate steps to respond to health challenges within our University and wider communities.”

“As a national institution, we have a responsibility to contribute to efforts addressing non-communicable diseases and other health challenges affecting Fijians and communities across the Pacific,” she highlighted.

Professor Lako thanked FISU for providing a framework that supports universities in taking a more coordinated approach to health and wellbeing.

“This partnership supports our efforts to create campuses where healthy and sustainable choices are encouraged and supported,” Professor Lako expressed.

FISU Senior Executive Committee Member Doulton Martin congratulated FNU on its participation in the Healthy Campus Programme and its efforts to promote healthy living across its University community.

“FISU is proud of the Healthy Campus Programme prepared and implemented by FNU. As a national institution, FNU has shown how universities can play an important role in promoting healthy lifestyles among their staff and students,” Mr Martin said.

He added that FNU’s participation reflected its focus on creating an environment where health and wellbeing are prioritised.

“Through this initiative, the University is helping address non-communicable diseases and other emerging health challenges,” stated Mr Martin.

Mr Martin further reiterated that FNU’s involvement showed how universities can influence healthier behaviours and create positive impacts that extend beyond the campus.

The recognition is an important step for FNU as the University continues to create a healthier and more supportive environment for its students and staff, while contributing to healthier communities in Fiji and the wider Pacific.

                                                             ENDS