The Role of Undergraduate Public Health Graduates in Strengthening System Resilience and Emergency Response in Fiji
1
Faculty of Health, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Small island developing states (SIDS) face significant challenges in building health systems that are resilient to public health emergencies, climate-related shocks, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. In Fiji, these pressures coexist with the persistent paradox; despite sustained investment in undergraduate public health education, graduates remain largely underutilised within the National Health workforce. This reflects a critical gap in public health leadership and workforce planning, particularly in preventive, promotional, and community-based health services. This PhD research examines how undergraduate public health graduates can be more strategically integrated to strengthen health system resilience in Fiji.
METHODS:
The study adopts mixed methods design comprising three sequential phases. First, quantitative survey of undergraduate public health graduates (2018 – 2023) will examine employment pathways, role utilisation, and perceived preparedness for workforce participation. Second, qualitative talanoa-based interviews in focus groups with graduates, policymakers, employers, and academic leaders will explore leadership perceptions, systemic barriers, and opportunities for integration. Third, collaborative validation with stakeholders will support development of policy-relevant workforce recommendations.
RESULTS:
Fieldwork is scheduled to be completed by May 2026. The analysis will draw on health systems resilience theory and indigenous Pacific epistemologies, conceptualising resilience as emerging from the interaction between workforce capacity, governance arrangements, and culturally grounded community relationships. Within this framework, it is anticipated that this research will provide insights into the mobilisation of public health graduates not merely as technical personnel but as a leadership-enabled workforce capable of linking policy, practice, and community engagement.
CONCLUSIONS:
By foregrounding undergraduate public health graduates within debates on leadership and workforce reform, this research addresses a critical but under-examined dimension of health system resilience. The study is expected to inform workforce policy, leadership development, and curriculum alignment in Fiji, with broader relevance for other SIDS seeking to strengthen prevention, preparedness, end community centred health systems.
Small island developing states (SIDS) face significant challenges in building health systems that are resilient to public health emergencies, climate-related shocks, and the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. In Fiji, these pressures coexist with the persistent paradox; despite sustained investment in undergraduate public health education, graduates remain largely underutilised within the National Health workforce. This reflects a critical gap in public health leadership and workforce planning, particularly in preventive, promotional, and community-based health services. This PhD research examines how undergraduate public health graduates can be more strategically integrated to strengthen health system resilience in Fiji.
METHODS:
The study adopts mixed methods design comprising three sequential phases. First, quantitative survey of undergraduate public health graduates (2018 – 2023) will examine employment pathways, role utilisation, and perceived preparedness for workforce participation. Second, qualitative talanoa-based interviews in focus groups with graduates, policymakers, employers, and academic leaders will explore leadership perceptions, systemic barriers, and opportunities for integration. Third, collaborative validation with stakeholders will support development of policy-relevant workforce recommendations.
RESULTS:
Fieldwork is scheduled to be completed by May 2026. The analysis will draw on health systems resilience theory and indigenous Pacific epistemologies, conceptualising resilience as emerging from the interaction between workforce capacity, governance arrangements, and culturally grounded community relationships. Within this framework, it is anticipated that this research will provide insights into the mobilisation of public health graduates not merely as technical personnel but as a leadership-enabled workforce capable of linking policy, practice, and community engagement.
CONCLUSIONS:
By foregrounding undergraduate public health graduates within debates on leadership and workforce reform, this research addresses a critical but under-examined dimension of health system resilience. The study is expected to inform workforce policy, leadership development, and curriculum alignment in Fiji, with broader relevance for other SIDS seeking to strengthen prevention, preparedness, end community centred health systems.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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