No more paper: Fiji launches first-ever digital immunization records for every child

Lautoka, Fiji, 31 March 2026 –The Ministry of Health and Medical Services, in partnership with UNICEF and with the generous support from the Government of Japan, has launched Fiji’s first digital immunization record system today to track children’s vaccinations nationwide.

The new digital system will ensure that every child in Fiji has a secure vaccination record that can be accessed from any immunization site across the country.

“Today’s launch 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,” said the Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Penioni Ravunawa. “On behalf of the Government of Fiji, I sincerely thank the Government and people of Japan, UNICEF, and our dedicated healthcare workers for making this milestone possible.”

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. 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.

“Digital systems only matter when they work where it matters most - on the ground. Today, that value has been clearly demonstrated,” said First Secretary of the Embassy of Japan, Kengo HOSHINA. “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 Ministry of Health and Medical Services 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.

“No family should ever worry that their child will miss out on life-saving vaccines because of lost paperwork or distance from a clinic,” said UNICEF Pacific’s Deputy Representative, Roshni Basu. “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.”

By replacing paper‑based records with a secure nationwide digital system, Fiji is building a more resilient and efficient healthcare system. This shift will ensure children receive timely vaccines and give healthcare workers more time to focus on care, not paperwork.

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