The Fiji Ministry of Health has expressed confidence that the ongoing disruptions in the country’s medicine supply chain will not hinder the availability of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs used in HIV treatment. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu reassured the public that, thanks to Fiji’s new HIV Outbreak Response Plan and National HIV Surge Strategy for 2024-2027, there will be continuous access to ARVs, despite currently experiencing low stock levels of some medications that are expected to last for the next two to three months.

To tackle these supply chain challenges, the Health Ministry is partnering with a United Nations procurement service. This collaboration aims to procure ARVs and anti-tuberculosis medications in bulk and at reduced prices using allocated funds. Dr. Lalabalavu stated, “It’s an important part of our 90-day response, ensuring that we scale up our preparations, especially for ARVs,” indicating that the necessary systems and processes are in place to prevent a complete stockout of these essential drugs.

This proactive approach echoes previous initiatives highlighted by the ministry where they are also focusing on better distribution and monitoring of HIV medications. The Health Ministry’s cooperation with global partners is crucial in securing additional supplies, with a signed agreement already in place, anticipating new shipments by the end of the month.

Fiji is grappling with significant HIV challenges, particularly among its indigenous iTaukei community, which constitutes 89% of the population living with the virus. This highlights a pressing need for effective testing and treatment strategies. Disparities in access to testing services between ethnic groups pose additional challenges, as iTaukei individuals often seek testing within public health facilities, while other groups may prefer private testing options which complicate public health data tracking.

Overall, the ministry’s commitment to enhancing treatment access while addressing the ongoing medication shortages reflects a positive outlook on managing HIV in Fiji. As measures are put in place to secure necessary medications and improve healthcare system responsiveness, there is hope for better health outcomes for those affected by HIV in the country. Through continued community engagement and resource management, the Ministry of Health aims not only to meet current needs but also to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure for the future.