Fiji has secured more than $US66.7million ($F149m) in new financing to overhaul its health system and strengthen protection for vulnerable coastal communities, marking a major step in the country’s development efforts.
The package, signed with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), includes a $US50m ($F112m) concessional loan for the Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation Project (PHIT) and a $US16.7m ($US37.33m) grant to boost climate resilience in coastal areas.
Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel said the project will have a strong focus on tackling non-communicable diseases and modernising Fiji’s healthcare system.
“The objective is to increase access to quality health services,” he said.
The PHIT program forms part of a wider $US181.94m ($F406.7m) regional financing effort and will be implemented over six years to 2031.
It aims to strengthen health systems, improve service delivery, and support better decision-making across the sector.
“The financing facility entails concessional terms and conditions which include a 40-year term to maturity inclusive of 10-year grace period at 1 per cent fixed interest rate.”
The grant-funded coastal project, valued at nearly $US17.9m ($F40m) including Government contribution of $US1.19m ($F2.7m), will support nature-based coastal protection, restore foreshore areas, and build climate-resilient livelihoods for communities most exposed to climate risks.
The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways over a five-year period and is expected to be completed by 2031.
He assured that this borrowing is within the country’s fiscal targets and investment focus area, reinforcing Government’s commitment to responsible financing.
He added that the projects are critical to improving essential services and safeguarding communities, while acknowledging development partners for their continued support.
