The Department of Social Protection, part of the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection, is actively providing essential financial aid to approximately 35,000 vulnerable households and children requiring care and protection in Fiji. Minister Sashi Kiran highlighted that this initiative also extends support to around 56,000 older citizens through a social pension scheme, and approximately 13,000 individuals living with disabilities.
A key component of this support is the e-transport program, which aids roughly 30,000 individuals, alongside transport assistance top-ups benefiting 44,000 seniors over the age of 70 and persons with disabilities. This reflects Fiji’s acknowledgment of the vital role social protection plays in developing a resilient system that can assist individuals during economic uncertainties and natural disasters.
In a significant stride towards this goal, Fiji launched its first adaptive social protection strategy and implementation plan in mid-2023. This proactive approach aims to establish systems capable of providing assistance during crises effectively. Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 cyclone season, the ministry is working with relevant partners to pilot new initiatives, including a multi-purpose cash transfer anticipatory action project set to benefit around 15,000 households, and a parametric insurance project to support 2,000 beneficiaries in areas affected by natural disasters.
The government’s ongoing efforts to enhance social safety nets reflect broader investments made across the Pacific region, where social assistance expenditures have nearly doubled over recent years. This funding aims to expand coverage and address pressing issues such as poverty and access to vital services, ensuring community resilience and fostering long-term welfare.
As Fiji navigates these challenges, the commitment to building a robust social protection framework provides hope and a pathway toward a more secure future for its most vulnerable populations. With collaborative efforts from government agencies and communities, there is optimism for sustained improvement in the lives of those in need.
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