The Health Ministry anticipates a specific budget allocation for HIV programs in the upcoming 2025–2026 National Budget.
Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu confirmed the expected allocation, adding that the ministry also plans internal reforms to strengthen the national response to HIV.
“We, the ministry, are expecting some allocation specifically for HIV programs,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
“Since the HIV outbreak is one of the main concerns in Fiji at the moment, we will have to do some reform within the ministry, ensuring that a dedicated team is looking after HIV and its programs.”
The minister acknowledged that HIV remains a pressing issue not just in terms of infection rates, but also due to associated challenges such as co-infection with tuberculosis (TB) and the growing influence of illicit drug use.
“There is an increase in co-infection of HIV and TB,” he said, referencing discussions at a recent national roundtable.
“We do take the current drug crisis in Fiji seriously, because it is fuelling the transmission of HIV. In the last data from last year, more than 50 percent of cases were linked to injectable and needle sharing.”
He said HIV is now being addressed not just through the ministry, but also as part of a wider inter-ministerial task force that includes stakeholders from across the Government.
While the ministry awaits final budgetary figures, Dr Lalabalavu remains hopeful of continued support from the Government.
“We always ask for more, but we’ll be content with what we’re given, especially in terms of allocation to meet the specific and very important programs we want to run.
“One of the main government priorities is improving health, and therefore, I believe, as we’ve seen in the last few budgets, that we will get the support that we need.”
