India donates $2.5m worth of HIV drugs to Fiji

Fiji’s fight against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has received a major boost with the Government of India handing over $2.5 million worth of life-saving anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs.

The donation reinforces the strong partnership between the two nations in advancing public health.

The official handover ceremony at the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services Centre (FPBS) in Vatuwaqa marked another milestone in Fiji’s mission to strengthen HIV prevention, treatment, and care nationwide.

Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, said the donation comes at a critical time as Fiji scales up HIV testing and expands treatment access.

He said the ARV medicines would ensure continuous and free treatment for patients, helping reduce the spread of infection and supporting Fiji’s goal of eliminating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

Dr Lalabalavu also highlighted ongoing discussions between the Ministry of Health and the Indian High Commission on the upcoming 100-bed Super Speciality Hospital in Suva, noting that the tender process is nearing completion and construction will soon begin.

“This project will transform Fiji’s healthcare landscape. We thank the Government and people of India for their enduring friendship and unwavering support,” he said.

India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, said the three-tonne consignment represents the largest shipment of HIV medicines India has ever provided to Fiji.

He said the donation is a direct outcome of the discussions between Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Mr Rabuka’s visit to India in August last year.

“This handover is more than just a delivery of medicine, it’s a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to saving lives and strengthening health cooperation,” Mehta said.

“India will continue to stand with Fiji in building a healthier and more resilient future.”