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Scoop
5 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
United Nations Welcomes New Zealand's NZD 4 Million Commitment To Fiji's HIV
Suva, Fiji – The United Nations in Fiji welcomes and commends the Government of New Zealand for its significant contribution of NZD 4 million to support the Government of Fiji's urgent response to the HIV outbreak. This catalytic funding reaffirms New Zealand's leadership and long-standing commitment to public health, equity, and regional solidarity in the Pacific. The UN Resident Coordinator for Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, Mr Dirk Wagener noted the timeliness considering the rapidly growing cases in the country. 'The Pacific is facing a turning point in its HIV response. I sincerely thank the Government of New Zealand for its decisive and compassionate leadership. This funding is more than a contribution—it is a signal of shared responsibility and a boost to regional health security.' 'The United Nations remains firmly committed to supporting the Government of Fiji in averting further transmission and in saving lives. Our collective response must be fast, focused, and grounded in human rights, equity, and dignity. ' New Zealand's NZD 4 million contribution will strengthen efforts already underway, including: expansion of community-based HIV testing and treatment services; roll-out of harm reduction programmes, including the introduction of needle and syringe programmes for people who inject drugs; implementation of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for populations at substantial risk of HIV infection; and strengthening peer-led and community-based support models to improve treatment literacy and adherence while reducing stigma. This announcement builds on the momentum generated at the Development Partners' Roundtable on Fiji's HIV Outbreak Response convened in June 2025 by Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the United Nations. The Roundtable brought together government and key bilateral and multilateral partners—including New Zealand, Australia, the United States, the European Union, Germany, France, Spain , Canada China, Japan, Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia as well as UN agencies—to align strategic support and coordinate resources in response to what is now the world's fastest-growing HIV epidemic. As detailed in the 2025 UNAIDS Global AIDS Update, since 2010, Fiji has recorded a 3091% increase in estimated new HIV infections. In 2014, fewer than 500 people were living with HIV. By 2024, this number had surged to an estimated 5,900 (range: 4,500– 8,900). Shockingly, only 36% of people living with HIV in Fiji were aware of their status last year, and just 24% were receiving treatment. In response to these alarming figures, the Government of Fiji declared a national HIV outbreak in January 2025. The United Nations continues to support the response through the Joint UN Team on HIV, which is led by UNAIDS and includes the active engagement of UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, UNDP, UN Women, ILO and UNODC. These UN agencies are also playing a lead role in the National HIV Outbreak and Cluster Response Taskforce, as well as in technical working groups on prevention, treatment, diagnostics, data, and community engagement—ensuring evidence-based and community-driven responses are delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. The United Nations calls on all partners to sustain momentum and ensure the HIV outbreak response is fully resourced and community led. This includes continued investment in Prevention scale-up, integrated service delivery, and the long-term sustainability of the national HIV programme.
Scoop
07-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Enhancing Rural Resilience: Lumiboso Village Benefits From New And Improved Water System
Suva, Fiji (June 5, 2025) - A total of 111 residents across 23 households in Lumiboso Village, in the Cakaudrove Province, Vanua Levu, now have access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation, thanks to the 'Improvement of Water Supply and Sanitary Environment' project. Habitat for Humanity Fiji, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Fiji, delivered a comprehensive upgrade to the village's water supply system funded through Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects. The funding support of over FJD300,000, enabled us to construct a new dam catchment at the community's water source, install fittings and distribution pipelines, and secure the placement of water tanks on concrete bases. Infrastructural challenges were overcome by suspending pipes across stream crossings, extending the reticulation line to newly established village boundaries, and installing household water connections. In addition, nine new Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities were constructed, each equipped with septic tanks and soak pits, providing safer sanitation options for the community. To increase household access to safe drinking water, rainwater harvesting systems with first flush devices were also installed, offering an alternative during dry periods. To ensure long term sustainability and community ownership, Habitat for Humanity Fiji conducted maintenance and operational training sessions that included basic plumbing and financial literacy, equipping residents with the knowledge to manage and maintain the new and improved infrastructure. Prior to this intervention, Lumiboso Village had no access to a government water supply system and relied on a single, unprotected water source. The initial WASH infrastructure constructed in the late 80s had deteriorated following years of service and a lack of maintenance. "The successful completion of the water and sanitation project in Lumiboso Village marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to improve the living conditions of vulnerable communities in Fiji. Access to clean water and adequate sanitation is fundamental to public health, human dignity, and sustainable development. We are grateful for the partnership with the Embassy of Japan whose generous support has enabled this critical intervention. We remain committed to supporting the Government of Fiji's development priorities, particularly in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, by delivering impactful and sustainable solutions at the grassroots level', says Sangita Kumar, Head of Regional Development, Habitat for Humanity Fiji 'This WASH project is not only expected to significantly contribute to improving the living standards of the people in Lumiboso village, but also to strengthen the relationship between Fiji and Japan. Access to safe water and sanitation is fundamental to people's health, education, and economic activities. Through this project, we hope for a brighter future for the children of this village', says Chika Inoue, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan. 'At the same time, this project will be an important step in deepening the friendship between our two countries. This project, realized through the cooperation of both countries, is a joint effort toward sustainable development for the future, and we hope it will become a symbol of friendship between the people of both nations', she adds.
