World Children's Day at CWMH, Fiji 2023

Introduction

World Children’s Day (20th November) is an annual day to mark the celebration and recognition of children across the world. This was the first time for CWMH to use this date to celebrate the resilient children of their paediatric community. It was decided to take this opportunity to celebrate children living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) more specifically. This year the celebrations were held on the 24th of November due to a cyclone warning put in place on the 14th of November which disrupted the planning process. Despite the obstacles, families travelled from across the wider Suva to join in the celebrations which were supported by CLAN (Caring and Living as Neighbours) and the Ministry of Health Fiji.

For the first celebration of World Children’s Day and International Day of People with Disabilities, 9 CAH children and their families were in attendance. The event was joined by the Australian High Commission’s First Secretary of Health, Ms Fleur Calcutt, Medical Superintendent Dr Luke Nasedra, various Heads of Department including neurology, heads of nursing staff, representatives from CWMH’ s partners Frank Hilton and Tamavua Rehabilitation Hospital, and several paediatric doctors and nurses.

CLAN are honoured to have been able to support the paediatric department at CWMH in preparing for this event. CLAN provided many resource materials to help increase the education and understanding of CAH which were provided to families and guests on the day. This included the development of a simple brochure that provides clear information on CAH and the appropriate action to take when a child with CAH is sick. Flip Charts were also printed in hopes of being introduced to clinical settings. CLAN’ s support also meant that the families and chief guests could each wear a specially ordered t-shirt proudly displaying Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia which allowed families to be recognised and supported and they also served as a souvenir for the day.

The day was able to run so successfully due to the collaboration between CLAN the Ministry of Health, Dr Ilisapeci Tuibeqa, the paediatric doctors and particularly the nursing staff of the children’s outpatient clinic who were able to bring their passions together to ensure the day could be celebrated to the best of its ability.

Read the full meeting report by clicking below link.