MHMS FIJI
MHMS FIJI

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World AIDS Day 2025
MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES HON. DR RATU ATONIO RABICI LALABALAVU Keynote Address for World AIDS Day 2025 VENUE     :    Sukuna Park, Suva DATE   :    1st December, 2025

          TIME    :    12.00pm

  • The Australian High Commissioner to Fiji –His Excellency Mr. Peter Roberts;
  • The Resident Representative for the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji –
    Ms. Munkhtuya Altangerel (Tuya);
  • The UNICEF Pacific Representative – Mr. Hamish Young
  • UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, His Excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
  • CSO – Reps from STRUMPHET
  • People Living with HIV Representative – Mr Joeli Colati;
  • Distinguished Guests;
  • Members of the media;

Bula vinaka and a warm welcome to you all.

Today, Fiji joins the world to mark World AIDS Day 2025 a day to honour lives lost, stand with people living with HIV, and recommit to ending HIV as a public health threat.

The global theme, “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response,” calls on us to rebuild and strengthen systems disrupted by pandemics, economic pressures, and social inequities.

Here in Fiji, we express this through our national theme:

“Healthy Islands, Healthy Futures: Ending HIV Transmission Together.”

This theme reflects our belief that every Fijian deserves access to safe, quality, people-centred services and that HIV, STIs and blood-borne viruses must not determine the futures of our young people.

This year marks a turning point. In early 2025, Fiji declared a national HIV outbreak and adopted a National Outbreak Response Plan, led by the National HIV Outbreak and Cluster Response Taskforce and the newly established SRH and HIV Unit a decisive political response to a rapidly escalating HIV crisis.

To back this with real action, the Fiji Government allocated $10 million to the HIV response; the largest domestic investment in Fiji’s HIV history. This funding is now driving:

  • Human resources across prevention, diagnostics, treatment and data,
  • Programming and outreach to communities, and
  • Procurement, ensuring a more reliable supply of essential commodities.

This investment sends a clear signal: Fiji is taking ownership of its HIV response and is not relying solely on external partners.

We also acknowledge the critical support of our development partners, who join us today to help celebrate and further commit to our national response.

Firstly, during this year’s World AIDS Day Celebration, the Government of Australia, through DFAT, is handing over approximately FJ $1.6 million in biomedical equipment and life-saving commodities, including rapid test kits, antiretroviral medicines, viral load consumables, and prevention supplies. This investment strengthens diagnostics and treatment continuity across the country and complements Fiji’s own $10 million allocation.

We further acknowledge UNICEF for its leadership and technical support in Elimination of Vertical Transmission (EVT). Their partnership has enabled the development of Fiji’s first-ever Guidelines for the Triple Elimination of HIV, Syphilis and Hepatitis B, helping protect mothers and babies and moving us closer to a future where no child in Fiji acquires an infection that could have been prevented.

Together, these investments reflect a powerful model: domestic leadership backed by strategic global partnership.

Despite progress, HIV diagnoses in Fiji continue to rise. Too many people are still being diagnosed late, when they are already unwell. This tells us we must:

  • Expand testing and early detection,
  • Strengthen prevention, including condoms, PrEP and harm-reduction approaches,
  • Ensure everyone diagnosed can start and stay on treatment, and
  • Address the intertwined epidemics of STIs, hepatitis and other blood-borne infections.

Our theme, Healthy Islands, Healthy Futures, must translate into action.

For Government, that means fully utilising our $10 million allocation, strengthening workforce capacity, laboratories and supply chains, and ensuring that policies and laws support, not hinder, access to services.

For partners, it means aligning support with national priorities and continuing to accelerate innovation and community-led approaches.

For individuals, it means taking charge of your health:

Protect yourself, protect your future get informed, get tested, and use prevention tools.

Use condoms consistently with all sexual encounters.

If you are an intravenous drug user, use sterile needles and syringes, don’t share needles and syringes and drug mixing equipment.

For those who are tested, and are positive for HIV, commence HIV treatment as soon-as-possible and stay on treatment for life. Treatment is free in Fiji and we are increasing the number of clinics in the country, who can provide treatment and care for you and your family.

As we commemorate World AIDS Day 2025, let us honour the lives lost, support those living with HIV, and stand with the health workers and communities leading this response.

Fiji has taken bold steps, declaring an outbreak, investing $10 million, strengthening diagnostics with support from Australia, and advancing the elimination of vertical transmission with UNICEF.

But our journey continues.

Let us move forward with determination, unity, and hope building Healthy Islands and Healthy Futures, and working toward a Fiji where HIV transmission is no longer a threat to any family, any community, or any child.

Vinaka vakalevu and thank you.

PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF FIJI ORDER PAPER

Oral Question

274/2025 Hon. Jone Usamate to ask the Minister for Health and Medical Services – Can the Minister update Parliament on what are Health Inspectors doing about ensuring that the meat sold in supermarkets meets quality criteria.

Oral Response:

Mr. Speaker,

  1. I am thankful for this opportunity to update the Parliament on the crucial role of our health inspectors in ensuring that the meat sold in supermarkets meets the established quality criteria.
  2. The roles of the health inspectors are stipulated under the Food Safety Act 2003 and the Food Safety Regulations 2009, alongside relevant Codex-based national standards. These laws and standards aim to safeguard public health by ensuring that meat products are safe, wholesome, and of high quality.
  3. To achieve this, health inspectors engage in a variety of activities:

Routine Inspection of Supermarkets and Cold Storage Facilities; Health Inspectors from the Ministry and the Municipal Council conduct scheduled and unannounced inspections to verify that all meat products are sourced from approved suppliers, properly labelled, stored at correct temperatures, and displayed in sanitary conditions.

  • Monitoring of Meat Handling, Processing, and Display; Inspectors check that meat is handled hygienically, free from contamination, and protected from temperature abuse. This includes verification of expiry dates, packaging integrity, and compliance with hygiene protocols by staff.
  • Verification of Import Compliance; For imported meat products, the Ministry through the Food Unit ensures that all consignments undergo border verification, including document checks, inspection, and sampling when required. This ensures products entering Fiji meet international safety requirements.
  • Sampling and Laboratory Analysis; When necessary, inspectors collect samples for microbiological and chemical testing to confirm that meat products meet the prescribed standards for safety, quality, and wholesomeness.
  • Enforcement Actions : In instances of non-compliance, our health inspectors have the authority to take necessary enforcement actions. This may involve issuing improvement notices, seizing unsafe meat, suspending operations, or initiating legal proceedings under the Food Safety Act. Over the last three years, from 2023 to March this year, we have prosecuted 35 cases, issuing fines totalling approximately $25,000. The current Act is quite limited in its scope for penalising offenders, as it does not include provisions for enforcing fixed penalties or spot fines. As a result, cases can only be prosecuted in a court of law, a process that can take months or even years. The Ministry is currently reviewing this Act with the aim of introducing spot fines for these offences.

Number of Prosecuted Cases and Fines:

In the last two years, 35 cases have been prosecuted by health inspectors from both the Health Subdivisions and the Food Unit. The fines incurred total approximately $25,000 and contribute to Consolidated Funds, not directly to the Ministry.

The summary of offences includes:

  • Operating Without a License (Food Safety Act Schedule 2 – 16(1)(2)): 32 cases were reported against various food premises including coffee shops, takeaways, supermarkets, dairy shops, and street food vendors, leading to fines totaling $20,000.
  • Selling, Preparing, Packing, or Conveying Food Under Insanitary Conditions (Food Safety Act Schedule 2 – 3(1), 10(1)): 3 cases were identified, further emphasising the need for stringent oversight and adherence to safety standards in retail and catering operations.
  • I am proud to report that within the last fiscal year alone, we conducted inspections of over 2,600 food establishments. These inspections resulted in the issuance of 372 abatement notices and 6 closing orders, illustrating our commitment to upholding health standards.
  • Review of Food Safety Act: We are finalising the review processes, which are essential to address emerging risks, evolving food systems, and gaps in regulatory enforcement. It will ensure the legal framework remains fit for purpose, safeguarding public health while supporting economic development.
  • Capacity Building and Public Awareness: Furthermore, we continue to enhance our inspectors’ training and promote food safety standards through collaboration with food business operators and public awareness campaigns that encourage informed consumer choices.
  • Moreover, we are revitalizing our joint meat surveillance program with the Ministry of Agriculture, enhancing our oversight of meat safety.
  • As we look to the future, we are excited about the new laboratory facility at the CDC, which is set to enhance our testing capacity significantly. Achieving ISO standardization and accreditation is a priority as we aim for excellence in food safety testing. Until this is realized, we are grateful for the collaboration with the IAS Lab at the University of the South Pacific and the Koronivia Lab.
  • Additionally, we recognize the importance of training our Health Inspectors as prosecutors. With support from the World Health Organization, we will resume vital training sessions this December, facilitated by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
  1. Planned Surveillance Operations: Our approach includes integrated surveillance operations and collaboration with local municipalities, the Fijian Commerce Commission, and other stakeholders to strengthen our food safety oversight.
  2. In summary, our health inspectors are fully engaged in a comprehensive strategy to ensure that the meat available in supermarkets meets rigorous quality criteria. We remain committed to protecting public health and ensuring the highest standards of food safety.
  3. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the support of this Parliament as we strive to uphold the health and well-being of our citizens.

APPENDIX

No Of Prosecuted Cases & Fines

  • A Total of 35 Cases Prosecuted by the Health Inspectors in the Health Subdivisions and the Food Unit and this started in the last two years
  • Fines approximately at $25,000.00 which goes to the Consolidated Funds and not to the Ministry as per summary blow:.
Type of Offense CommittedNo of CasesTypes of Food Premises Prosecuted Approximate Fines Collected
Food Safety Act Schedule 2 -16(1) (2) Operating Without a License32Coffee Shop Takeaway & Retail Supermarkets Dairy Shops Takeaway Street Food Vendors$20,000
Food Safety Act Schedule 2 – 3 (1), 10(1) Selling, preparing, packing, keeping or conveying for sale any food under insanitary conditions that might render the food injurious or dangerous to health;3Retail & Catering Supermarkets  

Cases per Division

SubdivisionNo of Food Cases 
Central Division(including Food Unit)29
Northern Division Surveillance3
Western Division3
Eastern Division–

No Of Surveillance Conducted Last Fiscial Year

Operation TypeNo of Food Establishment Inspected  No of Abatement Notice IssuedClosing Order Issued
Central Division13222981
Northern Division Surveillance757352
Western Division587665
Eastern Division346–  
TOTAL26303726

Note:  Surveillance doesn’t cover Licensing Inspection, Restaurant Grading and Annual Food Auditing for Food Manufacturing Premises.

Official Remarks at the Opening of the 2025 Science, Technology and Resources (STAR) Conference

Honorable Dr. Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu

Event:     Official Remarks at the Opening of the 2025 Science, Technology and Resources (STAR) Conference

Venue:     Holiday Inn, Suva

Date:       Monday 24th November 2025

Time:      09.30am

Salutation:

  • The Chair of STAR, Permanent Secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources, Mr Paula Cirikiyasawa
  • Representatives of the Government of Fiji
  • Delegates from the Pacific Community
  • Representatives of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation
  • Members of the Circum-Pacific Council
  • Partners from universities, research institutions and development organisations
  • Invited Guests
  • Ladies and Gentlemen

It is my honour to welcome you to the STAR 2025 Conference. For our guests from the Pasifika and those that travelled across the globe to be here this morning, bula vina’a, welcome again to your island home, Fiji.

This gathering brings together the people who have supported this network through its early work, its challenges, and its return to active meetings. Your presence reflects the strength of the Science, Technology and Resources Network and the significant role it continues to play across our region.

Ladies & Gentlemen, when STAR was formed in 1984 through the collaboration of the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, the objective was to create a forum where scientific work could be aligned with Pacific developmental priorities.

For almost 30 years, STAR met annually and contributed to research, cooperation and practical solutions across the region. These meetings built working relationships that helped countries through periods of change, turbulence and uncertainty.

STAR hibernated after 2010 and slowed progress even though its value remained clear to many partners. Renewed interest saw STAR dominating the essence of discussions at the Regional Geoscience Steering Group Meeting in April 2015 confirming the regional interest to restore the network and “make it fit for purpose”. The subsequent meeting in Nadi in June 2016 marked that warranted return. Further meetings, including the virtual session during COVID-19, showed the commitment of individuals and institutions to maintain STAR’s presence.

For me personally, for any professional network to thrive, it must be relevant, dynamic to navigate the global headwinds and build in-depth capacity for sustainability.

Across the Pacific, there is strong support for STAR to continue. Countries have highlighted the importance of this forum in rebuilding partnerships and peer exchanges suitable for the Pacific context. Discussions have also focused on strengthening STAR’s administrative and financial independence.

This year’s conference, hosted by Fiji with support from the mining, exploration and quarries sector, is centred on the theme “Connecting the Pacific Islands Through Science and Technology.” This theme reflects our shared direction. Science and technology support learning, inform planning and deepens understanding of our environment. They also strengthen cooperation between countries. Each nation brings experience that contributes to regional progress, and each benefit from shared knowledge.

We acknowledge the Circum-Pacific Council for the special session on Urban Sea Systems, and the University of Queensland, the Pacific Community and the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) for the session on Mineral Security in the Pacific.

The conference materials booklet contains abstracts that reflect the range of work being presented this week. Over the next five days here at the Holiday Inn in Suva, you will hear from scientists, practitioners and partners who continue to expand the knowledge reservoir supporting the evolution of science-policy interface in the Pacific.

The Day Field Trip on Maritime and Coastal Infrastructure in the Suva Area will take participants from Waiqanake to the Kinoya Outfall. This visit will highlight significant elements of our maritime environment and the infrastructure that supports our future needs. It will also provide an opportunity for informal exchange.

The STAR Steering Committee has prepared a programme and field trip that support practical learning and encourage future cooperation. Again, I would like to reiterate the Fiji Government’s support and its continued commitment to host the STAR 2025 Conference, but also in years to come.

As we begin this programme, I encourage all participants to engage fully and contribute openly.

STAR has shown its value during different periods of regional change. With sustained effort, it will remain a forum that supports scientific advancement and informed decision-making for the benefit of our communities.

Thank you for being here. I wish you a productive week and look forward to the outcomes of your discussions.

Thank you and Vinaka vakalevu.

Closing Remarks at the Antimicrobial Awareness Week

Honorable dr Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu

Event:    Closing Remarks at the Antimicrobial Awareness Week

Venue:     FPBS

Date:      Monday 24th November 2025

Time:     08.15am – 09.15am

Salutation:
• Dr. Mark Jacobs, The Director of Pacific Technical Support and WHO Representative to the South Pacific
• Senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services
• Our technical officers, clinicians, nurses, pharmacists, and laboratory professionals
• Representatives from partner agencies and institutions
• Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen

A very good morning to you all.

It is my privilege to join you today as we gather to conclude the 2025 Antimicrobial Awareness Week with this Workshop for the Central Division, under the theme “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together”. This gathering brings together an impressive and diverse team — of clinicians like Dr. Ravi, nurse and EPI National Coordinator Sister Litiana, our laboratory experts, IPC officers, veterinary professionals such as Dr. Magiri, representatives from Oceania Hospital, the FCGP, and many others who are committed to safeguarding Fiji’s health system. Your presence reflects a shared commitment to confronting one of most urgent health threats of our time: antimicrobial resistance, or AMR.

Every year, this week serves as a powerful reminder that antibiotics and other antimicrobials are among the most valuable tools in modern medicine. Yet today, they are under threat. As we have heard repeatedly from the World Health Organization and from our own data, antimicrobial resistance compromises our ability to treat common infections, increases the risk of complications and mortality, and places significant strain on our hospitals, our families, and our economy.

AMR isaffecting patient outcomes across our facilities. We hear stories of resistance patterns, treatment failures, delayed recoveries and infections that no longer respond to first-line medicines. These are early warnings we cannot ignore.

Our national efforts are anchored in the National AMR Action Plan, which calls for stronger stewardship, improved surveillance, robust infection prevention and control, and a One Health approach across human, animal, and environmental sectors. The work of our clinicians, pharmacists, laboratory officers, environmental health teams and veterinary colleagues all connects to this shared mission. A mission that is reflected in today’s workshop through presentations on antimicrobial stewardship, infection prevention and control, vaccination, AMR surveillance, genome sequencing, animal health updates, and research from our own facilities. We are strengthening the expertise that drives this action plan forward. This is not the end of our efforts and work must continue beyond this week — every day, in every facility, in every department.

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week is simply a reminder. The real change happens throughout the year — through careful prescribing, proper dispensing, good hygiene, appropriate diagnostics, consistent hand washing, and strong infection control practices. It happens when clinicians follow the national antibiotic guidelines, when laboratories strengthen surveillance, when pharmacists promote rational use, when veterinarians and agricultural partners ensure responsible use in animals, and when community members understand the risks of misuse.

I want to commend all of you who continue to champion these efforts, especially those who have contributed to research and training this week — from enhancing blood culture collection practices to strengthening stewardship programs and IPC standards. Your work saves lives.

I would also like to acknowledge our long-standing partnership with the World Health Organization, particularly the guidance and technical support from Dr. Mark Jacobs and the WHO Pacific team. Fiji is stronger because of your collaboration.

As we carry today’s discussions into our respective workplaces, I urge each of you to remain dedicated to the principles of stewardship and prevention. AMR is a challenge we cannot defeat through awareness week alone — it demands ongoing commitment, accountability, and collaboration. Let us all leave here with renewed determination to protect the effectiveness of antimicrobials, safeguard our health system, and secure a healthier future for all Fijians.

With these words, I officially close the 2025 Antimicrobial Awareness Week with this Workshop.

I wish you a productive and impactful session ahead.

Vinaka vakalevu.

EOI Vacancy

 

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) from staff members for appointments to the following project-based positions. APPLICANTS ARE TO EMAIL THEIR APPLICATIONS TO recruitment@health.gov.fj

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST ADVERTISEMENT
 
Vacancy No. Position Title Station Salary Band/Step Duration No. of Position(s)
EOI-NU 02/2025 Registered Nurse Suva Hub (2)
Lautoka Hub
Labasa Hub		 Band F ($27,072.04 – $31,534.46) Until 31st July 2026 3

Job Descriptions Below:

RD Registered Nurse (HIV_SRH Project Unit)
Application-Form-MOHMS-FILLABLE-excluding-Medical-Officers

For further details, please contact Ms. Sereima Bauleka on
telephone landline 3215742 OR email to: sereima.bauleka@health.gov.fj

Application Process

The following are to be noted when applying:

1.      Applicant must personally complete the
application form and sign the Declaration at the end of the form. The
application form is attached.

2.   Applicant must ensure that first name, last name and date of birth
are the same as those on the identity documents.

3.  All communication regarding the application will be via email and
the applicant is to ensure that a valid email address is provided for
communication purposes.

4.  Applicant MUST submit the following:

    a) A completed and signed application form. Please note that you
need to fill Part 6 of the form which explains how you meet each Selection
Criteria;

    b) Current CV outlining qualifications and experience;

    c) Submit a certified copy of registration and/or valid
practicing license; and

    d) Copies of qualifications

5.    Applicants must declare whether they have been the
subject of an investigation or disciplinary action, if so, to provide details.

6.    Candidates who do not submit the required information
and documentation WILL not be considered.

 

Submission

 

Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm Wednesday
17th December 2025.

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

Click here for EOI Application Process.