Japan boosts Fiji’s disaster response with $5.5m support

Fiji’s disaster response capability has been strengthened with a $5.5 million assistance package from Japan, including ambulances, medical tents and life-saving equipment for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF).

The support — delivered under Japan’s Official Security Assistance (OSA) programme — includes four ambulances, two sets of medical field tents and four automated external defibrillators (AEDs), aimed at improving emergency response during disasters.

The assistance was formalised during an Exchange of Notes signing ceremony at the RFMF Strategic Headquarters in Suva yesterday.

Japan’s Ambassador to Fiji Hiroshi Tajima said the support would serve both daily medical needs and emergency situations.

"This assistance is intended not only to meet routine medical needs, but also to play a vital role in emergency situations, including disaster response and the urgent transport of patients," he said.

Minister for Defence Pio Tikoduadua said the assistance was critical for a country vulnerable to climate-related disasters.

"Disaster preparedness is not optional. It is a state requirement," he said. "During a national emergency, these resources will be deployed to provide rapid medical response and humanitarian relief."

The equipment can be deployed during cyclones, floods and other emergencies, boosting frontline response capacity.

This marks the second round of OSA support Fiji has received from Japan. The first, in 2023, was valued at 400 million Japanese yen ($5.6 million) and focused on strengthening the Navy’s maritime surveillance.

The OSA programme, established in 2023, aims to enhance defence and security cooperation with partner nations, with Fiji among the first Pacific countries selected.

The partnership is guided by the Lomavata-Kizuna framework, which focuses on disaster resilience and regional stability.

Fiji and Japan have shared diplomatic relations for 56 years, since 1970.