Fiji’s Health Ministry has set a national goal of a tuberculosis‑free Fiji by 2035, but health officials warned this week that rising case numbers and persistent service gaps could undermine that ambition. Over 600 TB cases were recorded in the country last year, and disease continues to disproportionately affect rural communities and other vulnerable groups, officials said.
Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa used a public forum to stress the pillars of the government’s approach: early diagnosis, strict treatment adherence and expanded community outreach. “This year’s global theme I believe all of us know — ‘yes, we can end TB’ — it’s not merely a slogan but… a call to action,” Ravunawa said, urging front‑line health workers and community leaders to step up detection and follow‑up of patients. He also flagged integrated programming to tackle TB‑HIV co‑infection and other underlying health challenges that fuel transmission.
The government this month announced updated national TB guidelines developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization, a procedural change Ravunawa said reflects planned health system reforms. He acknowledged WHO’s technical support in the review and updating process and described the revisions as part of Fiji’s alignment with global best practices as it pursues the 2035 target.
WHO Fiji Programs Lead Philippe Guyant reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting Fiji’s efforts, saying the revised guidelines put patients at the centre of care and strengthen joint management of TB and HIV. “The updated guidelines keep patients in the centre of medical care, ensuring that TB and HIV are managed together and introduce critical measures to prevent and respond to TB challenges that Fijians are currently facing,” Guyant said.
The renewed focus on TB comes as Fiji confronts a worsening HIV situation that public health officials say increases the risk of TB co‑infection. Recent coverage has reported a sharp rise in HIV diagnoses over the past decade — with roughly 7,000 people living with HIV by the end of 2024 and more than 1,500 new cases in 2024 alone — underscoring why integrated services for both diseases are now a priority.
Officials said the updated guidelines include measures to bolster early case finding, improve linkages between diagnosis and treatment, and reinforce adherence monitoring, though they did not immediately release the full text of the revisions. Ministry leaders indicated community outreach, stigma reduction and stronger primary health services will be essential to reach remote and marginalised populations where TB persists.
As Fiji moves to implement the changes, health authorities and WHO have called for sustained funding and local‑level engagement to stem TB transmission. With more than 600 cases reported last year, the government faces a narrow window to accelerate screening, treatment and prevention if it is to remain on track for a TB‑free Fiji by 2035.
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