High Commission of India
Suva
The Government of India on 11 November 2025 formally handed over a consignment of Anti-Retroviral (ARV) drugs weighing more than 3 tonnes to the Government of Fiji reaffirming its steadfast commitment to strengthening public health cooperation and supporting Fiji’s efforts to combat the rising incidence of HIV.
2. The handover ceremony took place at the Fiji Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Services Centre (FPBS) and was attended by H.E. Suneet Mehta, High Commissioner of India to Fiji and Minister for Health and Medical Services of the Republic of Fiji, Hon. Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Penioni Ravunawa, Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr. Jemesa Tudravu, UNAIDS Ambassador, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, Head of Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services, Mr Jeremaia Mataika, along with senior officials from Ministry of Health & Medical Services, FPBS and High Commission of India.
3. This donation of life-saving ARV medication, a critical component of the national HIV response, is delivered as a grant assistant from the people and Government of India, marking the largest single consignment of medicines ever gifted by India to Fiji.. It aims to augment the current supply and ensure uninterrupted treatment access for people living with HIV in Fiji, particularly in light of the recent surge in reported cases. India had donated Anti - Retroviral Drugs and other medical supplies to Fiji in 2021, 2022 & 2023.
4. High Commissioner Suneet Mehta in his remarks, stated that this gift is part of the expanding bilateral cooperation between India and Fiji in the health sector. This partnership also includes the establishment of a 100-bed Super-Speciality Hospital in Suva, provision of affordable generic medicines under the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, organizing of Jaipur Foot Camp, etc. India is recognized as the world’s largest producer of generic medicines, including two-thirds of the world's ARV drugs, playing a pivotal role in the global fight against AIDS by improving access to affordable treatment worldwide. This gesture underscores India's role as a trusted development and humanitarian partner, committed to supporting the health and well-being of the Global South, especially in the Indo-Pacific region.
5. Hon. Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of India. He added that the timely arrival of these life-saving drugs is invaluable. It helps Fiji maintain continuity of care for its citizens living with HIV and significantly strengthens Fiji’s capacity to implement the national HIV Outbreak Response Plan. He expressed deep appreciation of India's continued support, which has consistently proven critical in enhancing Fiji’s health care system and saving lives. The consignment is expected to be immediately distributed across Fiji to ensure that all patients receive their essential medication without disruption.
6. The latest assistance in the health sector underlines India’s strong commitment to working together and supporting Fiji through all times.
11 November 2025
