UNDP And Ministry Of Health And Medical Services Respond To Fiji’s HIV Crisis With Critical Medical Supplies

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:

“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.

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