On World AIDS Day, Fiji Receives Urgent HIV Test Kits to Strengthen Early Diagnosis as Outbreak Continues

December 1, 2025

Three people on stage holding certificates at an awards ceremony, banner in the background. — During today's handover, (l-r), His Excellency Peter Roberts (Australian High Commissioner to Fiji), Munkhtuya Altangerel (UNDP Pacific Resident Representative) and Hon Dr Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu (Minister for Health & Medical Serices).

UNDP

Suva, Fiji - A large shipment of rapid HIV test kits was handed over to the Government of Fiji today; a delivery health leaders say will help protect families and communities as the country continues to face one of the fastest-growing HIV outbreaks in the world.

The shipment, funded by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) and the Australian Government and procured through the UN Development Programme (UNDP) is part of a broader support package from MHMS (FJD5.2m) and Australian Government (FJD2.06m) for procurement of essential HIV and TB commodities. It comes at a critical moment. Fiji experienced a steep rise in cases over the past few years, driven in part by late diagnoses and long delays between testing and treatment initiation.

Today’s handover aligns with the Fiji World AIDS Day theme, “Healthy Islands, Healthy Futures,” reinforcing a central message: health systems must be strong enough to ensure people are diagnosed early, treated early, and supported early.

At the event in Suva, the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon Dr Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu emphasised the significance of the shipment:

“In Fiji, health is not just personal but also communal. When someone is diagnosed too late, the whole family and vanua carry the burden. These test kits strengthen our ability to find infections early and protect our people.”

According to the 2025 UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report, global progress has slowed because too many people are still diagnosed late; a trend mirrored in Fiji. Delays in testing and people seeking treatment have been a major contributor to Fiji’s outbreak.

The test kits handed over today will support Fiji’s sexual & reproductive health clinics in Suva, Lautoka, and Labasa and community-based and peer-led testing services.

Group of diverse protesters under a wooden canopy holding a banner that reads Tested, Treated, Cured.

Boxes labeled Australian Aid in foreground; people at a relief center in background.

Speaking at the event, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Peter Roberts, reaffirmed Australia’s partnership and emphasised that early testing is central to halting the outbreak:

“Australia stands with Fiji. When testing happens early, people live longer, families stay stronger, and communities stay safer. These test kits are one part of that shared effort.”

Australia’s support also includes technical assistance from the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, which is helping Fiji strengthen laboratory and testing systems to ensure that people receive fast, reliable results, whether in clinics or through community outreach.

UNDP procured the test kits on behalf of MHMS through quality-assured international suppliers. In addition, UNDP is also supporting supply-chain strengthening, including forecasting, stock management, and improvements to national systems.

UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office in Fiji, Tuya Altangerel underscored the importance of supply chains behind the scenes:

“Healthy islands rely on strong health systems that reach everyone. Behind every test is a person, a young person diagnosed early, a mother receiving timely care, a family that does not lose a loved one. Our role is to ensure that all Fijians have reliable access to essential HIV and TB commodities and that the supply chain supporting them is strong and inclusive, so prevention and treatment reach the right communities at the right time.”

A separate shipment, fully funded by the MHMS and procured by UNDP, is scheduled to arrive later this week, delivering essential HIV medication to ensure continuity of treatment for people living with HIV.

As Fiji marks World AIDS Day, MHMS, Australia, and UNDP reaffirm the spirit of “Healthy Islands, Healthy Futures” — a promise that future generations can grow up in a Pacific where HIV is no longer a silent threat.

“We know what we need to do: test early, treat early, support people early,” says Hon Minister Lalabalavu. “This shipment helps us move closer to that future.”

For more information please contact:

Risiate Biudole, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, Communications Analyst, risiate.biudole@undp.org