NINETY per cent of funds allocated to Fiji’s HIV outbreak response have not reached frontline services.
National HIV Outbreak and Cluster Response chair Dr Jason Mitchell said the delay was not due to a lack of political will, but slow systems struggling to keep pace with a worsening epidemic.
Of the $10million allocated last financial year, most remains undelivered to critical services.
“Because systems built for normal times cannot move at the speed this exploding epidemic demands,” Dr Mitchell said.
He said staffing shortages, delayed approvals and procurement issues were hindering progress.
Despite challenges, he said efforts were underway to expand services nationwide.
“Last year we developed an outbreak response plan, and this month we are updating it to reflect what we have learned.
“Later this year, as our data and evidence becomes more robust, we will be developing a comprehensive national strategy for HIV, STIs, and bloodborne viruses, one built on what this outbreak has taught us.
“The SRH and HIV Unit, formed by our minister last June at the Ministry of Health, is building a network of clinics and outreach services that has never existed at this scale before.”
He highlighted the Nakasi Clinic as a central hub for the Central Division, providing services such as testing, treatment, counselling, harm reduction, and community outreach in a stigma-free environment.
Despite funding, plans, and workforce commitment, Dr Mitchell said only 43 out of the required 167 positions have been filled.
“Clinic leases are waiting on approvals. Several Cabinet memoranda are being processed.
“Procurement is stalled while commodities sit unordered.
“We are working every day to change that.”
