Stronger health facilities for a changing climate
When a cyclone
hits or flooding cuts off villages, health facilities are often the first place
people turn to for help. But what happens if those facilities themselves are
damaged, lose power, or run out of clean water? Communities are left without
care at the moment they need it most.
That’s why WHO is
working with countries to build climate-resilient
health facilities – centres that can keep their doors open even
during extreme weather, while also reducing their impact on the environment.
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WHO provides technical guidance on
climate resilient and environmentally sustainable healthcare facilities
(CRESCHF).
This means more than just buildings with strong walls. Climate resilient health facilities combine:
- Reliable infrastructure that can withstand floods and storms
- A trained health workforce ready to respond to climate-driven health crises
- Access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) even in unpredictable conditions
- Sustainable energy like solar power.
Together, these components ensure that health services are reliable and always within reach – no matter the climate challenge.
In Fiji, this vision is becoming a reality. Through the Strengthening Health Adaptation Project: Responding to Climate Change (SHAPE project), a collaboration between WHO, the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), 5 local health facilities are being renovated to strengthen their resilience to climate change.
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A WHO colleague inspects a new water tank installed to improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) at Verata Nursing Station, Fiji.
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A solar panel is lifted for installation on a health facility roof.
Renovating health facilities is a gradual process.
Across the nation, assessments were conducted in almost all of Fiji’s health facilities to review which areas are most vulnerable to different kinds of climate impacts. The information from these Climate Hazard and Vulnerability Assessments (CHVA) provided the necessary information for the MHMS to prioritize communities and facilities at greater risk of climate change impacts.
Then materials were procured from both Fiji and abroad and works were conducted including additions, reinforcing the structure, upgrading the toilet and water systems, installing stronger windows and doors, and upgrading the electrical system.
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View of the Verata Nursing Station in Fiji under renovation for an extended roof and new toilet block.
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After climate-resilient renovations, the health facility has a stronger roof, extended area and improve facilities.
“It is inspiring to see how these renovations are changing things on the ground. Stronger facilities mean health workers can keep doing what they do best: caring for people, rain or shine,” shared WHO Project Officer for SHAPE, Penioni Matadigo.
In addition to the facility renovations, Penioni and the SHAPE team are overseeing the solarization of 18 facilities across Fiji, and the training of over 600 health workers on managing health risks linked to climate change.
This work is a clear example of climate adaptation in action – strengthening the resilience of both health systems and the communities that rely on them.
By investing in climate-resilient health facilities today, Fiji is building a healthier, safer tomorrow – where every person can count on care, rain or shine.
Learn more about how WHO is working with partners to support Pacific governments’ efforts to strengthen climate resiliency.