LocationsUNDP and Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services Sign Finance Agreement to Combat HIV and TB in Fiji
July 16, 2024
UNDP Pacific Office Resident Representative Ms Munkhtuya Altangerel with Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu and Permanent Secretary Dr Jemesa Tudravu during the Financial Agreement signing ceremony at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services headquarters in Suva, Fiji.
Suva, Fiji – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) have officially signed a significant finance agreement to implement the Multi-country Western Pacific Integrated HIV/Tuberculosis (HIV/TB) Programme in Fiji.
This collaboration marks a critical step in addressing the public health challenges posed by HIV, STI, Hepatitis B and TB in Fiji.
The agreement, amounting to just over FJD5.2 million will be executed over a three-year period from 2024 to 2026. The funding is structured to support comprehensive strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence and impact of these diseases through enhanced healthcare services, education, and community outreach initiatives.
The Fiji Health Procurement Project – supported under the Multi-country Western Pacific Integrated HIV/TB Programme – assists the Ministry in obtaining timely, quality, and affordable HIV, STI, Hepatitis B, and TB health products.
In 2023, Fiji recorded 415 new cases of HIV, with 82 AIDs related deaths; a significant increase compared to in 2022 with 245 new cases reported and 151 new cases in 2021. There were 49 AIDs related deaths in 2022.
Fiji's Ministry of Health and Medical Services Permanent Secretary Dr Jemesa Tudravu delivered official remarks during the Financial Agreement signing ceremony at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services headquarters in Suva, Fiji.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, said: “The sharp rise in new cases also means an increase in utilization and demand for diagnostics, medications, and commodities relating to HIV. This has given additional challenges to our procurement division at the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services to meet the ever-rising demand for HIV diagnostics, medications, and commodities.
UNDP Pacific Resident Representative Munkhtuya Altangerel delivered official remarks during the Financial Agreement signing ceremony at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services headquarters in Suva, Fiji.
UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office in Fiji, Munkhtuya Altangerel said: “Through UNDP’s continued support to the government and people of Fiji, we further demonstrate our shared commitment to reaching the most affected and hard-to-reach populations across the country. Initiatives such as this will elevate standards of care by providing quality services and timely providing quality medication and improving diagnostic and treatment for all, and we thank to government alongside the Global Fund for their support to ensuring that we leave no one behind.”
The project will ensure that essential HIV, STI, and TB drugs, medical supply and equipment are procured and delivered to the Ministry efficiently.
The finance agreement between UNDP and the Ministry is essential to the advancement of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
Fiji's Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu spoke during the Financial Agreement signing ceremony at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services headquarters in Suva, Fiji.
During the official signing, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Honourable Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu was also present and expressed his gratitude to UNDP assisting the Ministry to improve and enhance the health care system.
The project works across multiple Pacific Island Countries and is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Global Fund.
For further media enquiries please contact:
Ashna Kumar, Communications Associate | UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji | (E) ashna.kumar@undp.org
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