Fiji’s HIV response has received a major boost after the Indian High Commission in Suva officially handed over a substantial consignment of Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to the Ministry of Health.
India’s High Commissioner Suneet Mehta presented the shipment to Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, in the presence of Assistant Minister Penioni Ravunawa, Permanent Secretary Dr Jemesa Tudravu, UNAIDS Ambassador Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and senior health officials.
The Indian High Commission described the moment as “Veilomani-Dosti,” emphasising the strong partnership and shared commitment between India and Fiji in advancing public health and ensuring access to high-quality and affordable medicines.
Dr Lalabalavu said the donation comes at a crucial time, supporting the HIV Unit’s plans to expand treatment and prevention efforts as Fiji strengthens its national response to HIV. He noted that with increased testing and screening, more cases are expected to be detected, making it essential for treatment services to expand accordingly.
He also confirmed that discussions between the Ministry of Health and the Indian High Commission on the 100-bed super-speciality hospital in Suva are progressing well, with the tender process nearing completion and construction set to begin soon. “Fiji is grateful to the Government of India for its continued support,” he said.
Indian High Commissioner Suneet Mehta said the handover marks another milestone in the growing health cooperation between the two nations. He explained that the shipment — around three tonnes of ARV medicines — is the largest consignment of HIV drugs India has ever donated to Fiji. He added that it is a direct outcome of agreements reached during Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s visit to India in August last year. Mehta reaffirmed India’s continued support, saying the upcoming hospital project will further strengthen bilateral ties and deliver long-term benefits for the Fijian people.
The National Federation Party welcomed the development, stressing the importance of consistent access to essential HIV treatment to protect lives, reduce transmission and support affected families. The party noted that the 2025–2026 National Budget allocated $10 million to address the HIV epidemic through expanded testing, counselling, prevention campaigns, needle and syringe programmes, and measures to reduce stigma and improve access to care.
Earlier reporting by The Australia Today highlighted India’s ongoing medical support to Fiji, including past ARV supplies and 100,000 COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the initiative as “strengthening health partnership with the Global South,” reaffirming India’s long-standing commitment to Fiji’s public health and humanitarian needs.
The World Health Organization has warned of a sharp rise in HIV cases across the Western Pacific, with Fiji recording a tenfold increase over the past decade. WHO Regional Director Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala has cautioned that the escalating epidemic poses a broader national and regional threat.
This latest consignment, coupled with ongoing health cooperation and infrastructure commitments, underscores India’s continued role as a key partner in strengthening Fiji’s health system and supporting its fight against HIV.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
