Fiji to Invest $10 Million to Expand HIV Prevention, Testing and Care Nationwide
The Fijian Government has unveiled a $10 million plan to scale up HIV prevention, testing, and treatment across the country over the coming year. The initiative aims to reduce transmission, improve access to care, and boost community involvement in the national response.
Community engagement and outreach
The program will recruit and train individuals from communities most affected by HIV to lead outreach within their networks. It will expand partnerships with local organizations and introduce harm reduction measures, including access to clean needles for people who use drugs, as part of a broader effort to support safer practices and reduce stigma.
Prevention measures and testing expansion
Prevention efforts include the distribution of more than 100,000 condoms and lubricants that has already begun in Suva, with plans to roll these supplies out nationwide. HIV testing will be offered at workplaces and through trained community representatives, broadening access beyond traditional clinic settings. The plan also outlines a rollout of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for high-risk individuals, complemented by a national awareness campaign designed to reduce stigma and encourage testing.
Strengthening treatment and care
To improve ongoing support for people living with HIV, the government will establish 22 local care teams, seven of which are already operational. A new specialist clinic at CWM Hospital will focus on preventing mother-to-child transmission, while the treatment network will be expanded by bringing more healthcare workers and private clinics into the fold.
Advances in testing and diagnosis
A new patient-tracking system will enable clinics to conduct confirmatory tests on-site, speeding up entry into care. Officials are also exploring faster point-of-care testing technologies to shorten the time from diagnosis to treatment.
What this means for Fiji
Health officials say this combined approach will make HIV prevention tools more widely available, improve testing access, and speed up treatment — bringing services closer to people’s homes and daily lives. The plan signals a continued, coordinated effort to curb transmission, reduce stigma, and improve health outcomes for those affected by HIV in Fiji.
Additional context and outlook
The investment aligns with ongoing national and regional efforts to decentralize HIV services and strengthen community-based responses. While progress is being made, authorities have previously noted challenges such as stigma, data gaps, and infrastructure constraints. The government’s emphasis on community engagement, prevention, and rapid access to care offers a hopeful path forward for reducing new infections and supporting people living with HIV in Fiji.
Summary of key points
– $10 million allocated to expand HIV prevention, testing, and treatment over the next year
– Emphasis on community-led outreach, harm reduction, and partnerships with local groups
– Nationwide prevention push with condoms, PrEP, and stigma-reduction efforts
– 22 local care teams and a new specialist clinic for mother-to-child transmission
– On-site confirmatory testing and faster point-of-care options being pursued
Why this matters
A more decentralized, community-driven HIV program can improve access to testing and treatment, reduce transmission, and help normalize HIV care in Fiji. The initiative reflects a sustained commitment to turning HIV into a manageable condition with robust support systems and less stigma.
Potential next steps to watch
– Rollout schedule for PrEP and expanded testing sites
– Timeline for the 22 local care teams and the new CWM Hospital clinic
– Progress in implementing the patient-tracking system and new testing technologies
Note: If you’d like, I can add a brief sidebar with a quick glossary of terms (PrEP, point-of-care testing, mother-to-child transmission) to help readers understand the program more clearly.
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