Our Research

This project builds on earlier research that examined how Fijian health workers and leaders adapted during the pandemic. While Fiji was initially successful in managing COVID-19, a surge in cases in 2021 overwhelmed the system, sparking a nationwide health crisis. Our pilot study revealed that long-standing issues like underfunding and lack of resources left the health system ill-prepared for the pandemic. We believe this experience underscores the urgent need to reimagine and build a health system that is not only reactive in times of crisis but also proactive and prepared to tackle future challenges.

Learn more about our pilot study

Unlike many global health approaches that tend to impose one-size-fits-all solutions, this project looks specifically at how Fijian communities and health leaders responded in ways that were culturally grounded and community-driven. By focusing on local knowledge and practices, the project aims to find unique pathways to resilience that work for Fiji. Working closely with Fijian researchers, health workers, and communities, we hope to identify the strengths within the existing system and highlight practical, sustainable solutions that support Fijian values and priorities. This research seeks to contribute to a stronger, more adaptable health system in Fiji that can withstand future crises and improve health outcomes for everyone.

*Equipment in Lautoka Hospital Emergency Department*

*Poem honouring frontline workers posted at Labasa Hospital*

*The health systems resilience magimagi, adapted from Gunderson and Holling’s (2002) Resilience Loop (image created by J. Thomas-Maude and M. Funez-McLennan)*

The Tali Magimagi Resilience Loop

Central to this project is the concept of the tali magimagi resilience loop, inspired by the Fijian art of weaving coconut fibre (magimagi) into strong, interconnected ropes. In this framework, we envision the health system as a woven rope, where different “strands” represent the elements that contribute to resilience. Tangible components like medical equipment, infrastructure, and funding are woven together with essential processes like data management and leadership. However, what truly binds the system are the intangible threads – trust, cultural values, community relationships, and the spirit of solesolevaki.

When these tangible and intangible threads are woven tightly, the health system becomes more resilient, better able to respond to crises, and capable of adapting to change. This resilience loop doesn’t just prepare the system to endure shocks but helps it grow, innovate, and avoid falling into a “poverty trap” where lack of resources limits potential. By nurturing these bonds within the Fijian health system, the tali magimagi resilience loop offers a culturally grounded, holistic approach that strengthens the system’s capacity to recover and thrive.

Our Methods

In conjunction with our Tali Magimagi resilience loop, the Fijian Vanua Research Framework (FVRT) provides a culturally sensitive, four-phase approach for conducting research in Fijian communities, grounded in Indigenous Fijian values and protocols:

Veiwekani (Relationship Building): This phase focuses on establishing relationships with stakeholders, including health workers and community members, through preparatory work and co-designing the research approach.
Talanoa (Storytelling): Data collection takes place through talanoa (dialogue), starting with isevusevu (a ceremonial yaqona offering) for community entry. Researchers use talanoa, interviews, and observation to gather diverse voices and experiences related to the health system.
Raica Lesu (Reflecting and Evaluation): This phase involves analysing the data collaboratively, validating findings through community feedback and triangulation, and reflecting on the research process.
Veitokoni (Sharing Learnings): Findings are shared with the community and stakeholders, ensuring that the research informs policy and practice. The phase also includes continued engagement and collaboration for future research opportunities.

This research is rooted in Indigenous Fijian values but aims to cover the diversity of Fijian health care, utilising talanoa-based data collection with iTaukei participants and adapting methods such as semi-structured interviews and focus groups for Indo-Fijian and other ethnic groups, along with stakeholder contributions in their professional roles.