2 May 2025
Suva, Fiji – As part of its urgent
response to Fiji’s escalating HIV outbreak, the United
Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Ministry of
Health and Medical Services, today announce the handover of
lifesaving HIV and TB medicines and diagnostics, valued at
USD 263,000 (FJD approximately $592,000).
The delivery
includes HIV treatment for adults, as well as special doses
for babies and children, and rapid test kits for HIV,
syphilis, Hepatitis C, and tuberculosis. This will
facilitate scaling up of testing, getting people on
treatment and preventing mother-to-child-transmission of
HIV.
Fiji is currently responding to a
fast-growing HIV outbreak. In 2024 alone, it is estimated
that nearly 1,600 people contracted HIV—that equals 4 new
cases every day. Young people and key populations (people
who inject drugs, men who have sex with men, transgender
people and sex workers) are the hardest hit. The government
also reports that people are late to diagnose, as well as
co-infections with sexually transmitted infection (STIs) and
Hepatitis B.
This handover is part of a
broader and ongoing collaboration between UNDP and the
Ministry under both the UNDP-Global Fund partnership and to
support the national HIV Outbreak Response Plan. The aim is
to ensure an uninterrupted supply of HIV treatment and other
commodities using UNDP’s global procurement
system.
Fiji Minister for Health and Medical Services,
Hon. Dr Atonio Lalabalavu, expressed gratitude for the
support:
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“This handover of essential HIV, STI,
Hepatitis B, and TB medications and diagnostic supplies is a
result of that partnership in action. Through partnership,
we will be able to maintain uninterrupted treatment for
people living with HIV and scale up testing across the
country. These are not just statistics. They are lives
saved. Communities empowered with access to
care.”
UNDP Pacific Office Resident Representative,
Ms Munkhtuya Altangerel emphasised the importance of this
partnership:
“This is a time for action, not
promises. UNDP stands with Fiji in solidarity—because when
lives are at stake, partnership means showing up, side by
side. Together, we are working to ensure that no one is left
behind, and that every person, no matter how remote or
vulnerable, has access to the care they need.”
This
handover is one part of the broader HIV Outbreak Response
Plan led by the Ministry of Health and supported by national
stakeholders, development partners, civil society, and
communities. The plan focuses on expanding testing,
improving access to treatment, reaching key and vulnerable
populations, and strengthening coordination and service
delivery across the country.
As part of this national
effort, UNDP is working with the Ministry and partners to
ensure a steady supply of essential HIV and TB commodities,
strengthen procurement and logistics systems, generate
strategic data, and support community-based outreach. This
initiative reflects the shared commitment to ensuring that
no one is left behind, as part of a long-term collaboration
to strengthen health systems, improve access to care for the
most vulnerable, and support Fiji’s leadership in
delivering an inclusive, resilient response to HIV and other
health
challenges.
