Media Centre

Cultural Visit by Mr Luke Myers, Global Affairs Canada

The Medical Services Pacific Mobile Outreach team returned to the village of Nakorovou on the 25^th September 2018 as part of a monitoring and cultural visit. The MSP team comprised of medical staff, a legal officer, counsellors and peer educators who provided a range of sexual and reproductive health services. This village had been previously assisted by MSP with support of the Canada Fund, during the relief response following Cyclone Keni.  Accompanying the team was a representative from the Canada Fund Mr. Luke Myers, the Deputy Director (Mongolia and Oceana) who was visiting the Fiji from Canada to assess project progress. Mr. Myers was able to witness the MSP’s Mobile Outreach Team in action delivering medical services, counselling and social services. He was pleased to experience the Fijian culture by observing the Sevusevu and participating in activities.

The community of Nakorovou were able to access a range of SRH services being provided by the medical team including free family planning, cervical screening, NCD screenings and general medical checkups. The legal officer provided awareness on child rights, child protection and offered legal advice to clients.  The team’s counsellors provided counselling services to those, seeking help and guidance to manage emotional trauma or stress.  These services are provide as part of MSP’s holistic approach in health service provision, which was most welcomed, by participants and village leaders. MSP works along with local health officials that were also participating in this outreach event.

For more information on any of Medical Services Pacific’s services call (+679) 363 0108.

DFAT visit to MSP Northern division Clinic 

MSP Labasa received Australian High Commission delegates, Kenneth Cokanasiga and Leaine Robison, on September 24^th, 2018 for Northern Monitoring Visit of the Emergency Preparedness Kits funded by DFAT.

After a warm welcome and introduction, MSP team presented on the great work the team is doing in the Northern Division. They also discussed the needs identified in the communities they had visited, and the challenges faced by the rural population in the northern division. There was a lively discussion on networking and collaboration.

The DFAT team was then given a tour of the office, clinic and shelter before MSP demonstrated the kits (Safe Birthing, Maternity, Dignity, WaSH).

MSP was invited to collaborate and utilize new partnerships with the AusFacility in Labasa. After the formalities, MSP hosted the DFAT visitors to afternoon tea.

‘Salsa for Health’ hosted by Medical Services Pacific, is heralded as a huge success! 

Medical Services Pacific (MSP) hosted, what is now being called the premier Salsa Charity Event of the year, ‘Salsa for Health’, on Saturday 21^st April. This exclusive charity event was held at the British High Commissioners Residence. In attendance was the Honorable Minister of Health & Medical Services, Madam Minister Ms. Rosy Akbar,  the Executive Director of MSP, Jennifer Poole, The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Fiji Carlos Manuel Rojas Lago, Major Daren Dangerfield as well as MSP’s Patron, Former Head of State H.E. Ratu E. Nailatikau.

The night was highlighted by speeches from Madam Minister Ms. Rosy Akbar, followed by a salsa performance by Mr & Mrs Heredia as well as several thrilling auctions and giveaways! The night was concluded with an enthusiastic social portion of the program which left event goers dancing for many wonderful hours.

This event was held to raise funds for MSP’s One Stop Shop, which provides critical free services to women and youth centered on sexual reproductive health care. MSP is also raising funds for its unique Post Rape Care program which is done in partnership with the Fiji Police Force as well as a sterilization machine and their ongoing relief efforts.

The event raised approximately 4500 FJD through a combination of ticket sales and donations. Funds will help to support the provision of clinical services. We are very grateful to our supporters.

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

UN Women, Women’s Peace & Humanitarian Fund and Medical Services Pacific

Essential Services for Survivors of Violence Launched in Northern Division

Friday, 8 December 2017 (Labasa, Fiji) –  Medical Services Pacific (MSP) is launching their “One-Stop-Shop” clinic today in Labasa that will provide free clinical, counselling and legal support services, including mobile outreach to the most remote villages on Fiji’s second largest island of Vanua Levu.

“We have partnered with UN Women, through support from the Women’s Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), and the Canada Fund to expand our services to Vanua Levu and empower women and youth through essential sexual reproductive health care and our signature approach of combined clinical, legal and counselling services for survivors of violence,” said Ms Jennifer Poole, Founder and Executive Director of MSP.

Representatives attending the official launch of MSP’s services in the Northern Division include UN Women Fiji Multi-Country Office (MCO) Deputy Representative Mr Nicolas Burniat; Mr Faka’iloatonga Taumoefolau, Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) Coordinator;Mr Lorenz Wright, Political and Public Affairs Officer with the Canadian Government;as well as senior representatives from the Fiji Police Force and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Northern Division.

“Through the WPHF, UN Women is strengthening the capacity of local partners to provide humanitarian assistance that responds to the different needs of women, girls, boys and men and prioritises preventing and responding to gender-based violence in emergencies (GBViE),” said Mr Burniat.

“This is critical in the Pacific, as cyclones, floods and droughts are becoming increasingly unpredictable and extreme – with rates of violence against women already double the global average at two out of every three women – and existing vulnerabilities are known to worsen during disasters,” added Mr Burniat.

Now MSP will be positioned to respond in the Northern Division from day one of an emergency, compared with a six-hour journey by vehicle and boat from Suva, with essential medical supplies, equipment and staff as per the last major disaster response of Tropical Cyclone Winston in 2016.

“The One-Stop-Shop will strengthen existing services available for those living outside of the main island and well as be positioned to respond immediately from within the community to disasters affecting the Northern Division,” said Ms. Poole.

In the lead-up to the official launch, MSP has been working in Vanua Levu with the Fiji Police Force, accompanying them on home visits to provide essential services to survivors of sexual violence; meeting with village heads to raise awareness of protection issues and participating in Fiji Red Cross Society disaster preparedness sessions – already reaching approximately 150 to 200 people per month since August, of which 54 percent are women and girls.

MSP is one of four organizations in the Pacific region supported by UN Women through the WPHF, a rapid finance mechanism and partnership between the United Nations, Member States, and civil society stakeholders.

UN Women MCO in Fiji, which assists 14 Pacific Island countries and territories, is working with national organizations on preparedness and prioritisation of gender and protection in humanitarian action – ensuring women can participate in, lead and be empowered by humanitarian assistance.

MSP Launch

12 December 2017

Dear Media Colleagues,

Greetings from Medical Services Pacific!

MEDIA INVITE

For immediate release: 06/12/2017

A new chapter for Medical Services Pacific as they open their doors in new Labasa office!

Medical Services Pacific (MSP) is immensely happy to announce the official opening of our second branch in Labasa! MSP is pleased to welcome visitors from UN Women and the Canada Fund as well as distinguished guests from the Fiji Police Force and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Northern Division for the launch on Friday, 8 December.

“We have partnered with UN Women, through support from the Women’s Peace & Humanitarian Fund, and the Canada Fund in our reaffirmed efforts to support empowerment, access to justice and to provide essential sexual reproductive health care to the women and youth in Vanua Levu. We believe that our signature three-pronged approach in providing clinical, legal and counselling services will enrich the lives of our clients in Vanua Levu, Fiji,” said Ms Jennifer Poole, Founder and Executive Director of MSP.

Medical Services Pacific will continue to work with the international donor community to ensure sexual and reproductive health services reach the underserved communities in the Northern Division.  Our mobile outreach team inclusive of medical staff, counselling staff and human rights officers are now available to visit communities in Vanua Levu. We are pleased to be able to bring our signature services to the more remote areas, creating opportunities for healthy choices and information sharing. In Labasa, as in Suva, we will provide the best in free family planning, sexual reproductive health, Cervical Screening (VIA and Cryotherapy etc.), counselling, group therapy, specialized post rape care services, specialized services for child survivors along with legal aid for women and youth in need. The Labasa clinic telephone numbers are 828-0308 or 881-1308. We sincerely thank all of our supporters and look forward to continuing to serve you in 2018.

Launch Event:          Time:   10:00 am

Date:   Friday, 8 December 2017

Venue:11 Naiyaca Sub Division Labasa (just near the hospital).