Fiji will expand HIV testing, launch educational campaigns for youth, and introduce needle exchange programs as part of a $10 million initiative to address its growing HIV crisis.
These efforts form part of the Ministry of Health’s wider $465.6 million budget for 2025–2026, which also prioritises modernising outdated health laws, improving pay for health workers, and tightening financial oversight.
Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu described the strategy as a “holistic effort to strengthen Fiji’s health system, reduce stigma, support frontline staff, and ensure every dollar spent improves care and health outcomes.”
“We are grateful that this Budget allocates $10 million specifically to contain the spread of HIV. These funds will support: expanded testing and counselling sites, especially in high-risk areas; public education and youth engagement campaigns; and the phased introduction of needle and syringe programmes, aligned with global best practices,” he told Parliament.
“The largest increase in our allocation is for our people — doctors, nurses, allied health workers, and corporate support staff who are the backbone of Fiji’s health system. The allocation for Established Staff has increased by $26.3 million, while that for Government Wage Earners has gone up by $3.6 million. This investment supports recruitment, rural deployment, retention, and training — especially in remote areas — and includes expanding outreach teams and postgraduate specialisation programmes.”
The HIV outbreak, declared a public health emergency earlier this year, currently affects an estimated 7,000 people in Fiji.
Dr Lalabalavu acknowledged international support from partners including Australia, New Zealand, UNAIDS, and WHO, pointing out that “HIV is not just a health issue, it is also a social and human rights issue. We must break the stigma, empower communities, and stop discrimination to ensure everyone has access to prevention, care, and treatment.”
To strengthen the legal framework, the ministry is reviewing several key health laws, some over a century old. Proposed amendments to the Burial and Cremation Act (1911), Public Health Act (1935), Radiation Health Act (2009), Mental Health Act (2010), and Nursing Act (2011) are expected to be submitted to Cabinet by the end of the year.
Further revisions to the Quarantine Act (1964) and the Burial and Cremation Act are planned for September 2025. Starting next financial year, reviews will begin on additional legislation including the Food Safety Act (2003), Tobacco Control Act (2010) and its regulations, and the HIV Act (2011). The ministry is also drafting new laws to regulate medical laboratory services.
On financial management, changes aim to increase transparency and efficiency by removing expenditure approval powers from the Permanent Secretary.
“The Ministry also supports the critical reform — the removal of Requisition to Incur Expenditure (RIE) under the direct control of the Permanent Secretary. This shift strengthens oversight, transparency, and responsiveness,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
“New financial and operational dashboards will improve accountability, while quarterly reviews and strengthened audits will ensure funds are properly monitored.”
The ministry will address procurement delays by improving expenditure tracking and engaging with divisional leadership.
“These combined efforts ensure every dollar spent translates into cleaner clinics, better medicines, empowered health workers, and healthier communities.”
