The Australian Government has pledged $5.7 million to support Fiji’s national HIV Response Plan, Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced today during the launch of the Clinical Services Plan at Suva’s Colonial War Memorial Hospital (CWMH).
The funding will bolster disease surveillance, testing, and vital community-led prevention and treatment initiatives, Wong confirmed, marking a significant step in Australia’s ongoing support for Fiji’s health sector.
“This is about helping Fiji and the region prepare for the future – not only with infrastructure but with a trained and ready healthcare workforce,” Minister Wong said.
The new commitment complements Australia’s broader $30 million investment in upgrading CWM Hospital infrastructure and its $8 million annual support to strengthen Fiji’s health systems.
The Clinical Services Plan launched today outlines the future healthcare service needs for Fiji and the region, providing a strategic blueprint for the new national hospital as well as improvements at CWM itself. Already, works are underway at CWM including the renovation of the acute patient ward, repairs to maternity plumbing, upgraded water storage, and roof repairs to resolve ongoing leaks.
Wong, accompanied by Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite on his first overseas mission, is visiting Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu this week to reaffirm Australia’s commitment to its Pacific neighbours.
“Our Vuvale Partnership with Fiji is built on respect, trust, and delivering outcomes for our people,” Wong said. “Australia and Fiji are family. In uncertain times, we are counting on each other to build resilience in our nations and across the Pacific family.”
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka met with the Australian delegation and welcomed the renewed support, describing the Vuvale Partnership as a symbol of the enduring strength and shared vision between the two nations.
Wong reiterated Australia’s pledge to continue listening to Fiji’s needs and supporting the country’s leadership role in fostering peace and unity in the region. The bilateral talks also addressed climate resilience, economic development, regional security, and stronger people-to-people ties.
This marks Wong’s seventh visit to Fiji as Foreign Minister – a sign, she said, of Australia’s steadfast commitment as the Pacific’s largest development partner.
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