Fiji now has a digital immunization record system.

For the first time, Fiji has a digital immunization record system, thanks to a partnership between the Health Ministry and UNICEF, with support from the Government of Japan.

The new digital system will ensure that every child in Fiji has a secure vaccination record that can be easily accessed

Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa says the launch of the program is more than a digital upgrade, it is a firm commitment to protecting the health of children through a stronger and more reliable immunization system no matter where they are born or where they receive care.

Ravunawa says for many years, Fiji’s immunization programme relied on paper-based records, which were often lost or resulted in duplicated information, especially when families moved between clinics or islands.

He says the manual system also placed a heavy reporting burden on healthcare workers and made it difficult to quickly identify and follow up with children who had missed scheduled vaccinations.

The new digital system, that will be implemented across 220 immunization sites and supported by training for approximately 500 healthcare workers, will address these challenges.

It is designed to function even in areas with limited internet connectivity, ensuring that children in rural and maritime communities are not missed.

First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Kengo Hoshina says digital systems only matter when they work where it matters most – on the ground.

“This project is a practical expression of the Lomavata–Kizuna Partnership, delivering real benefits to communities through trust and side-by-side cooperation.”

With reliable, up-to-date data, the Health Ministry can quickly identify gaps in immunization coverage, plan targeted outreach, and respond more effectively to disease outbreaks.

The system also strengthens Fiji’s resilience to climate-related emergencies by ensuring continuity of care even when paper records are lost or damaged.

UNICEF Pacific’s Deputy Representative, Roshni Basu says with this new digital system, Fiji is breaking down barriers and ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, can grow up healthy and protected.