The Health Ministry is hoping to receive more funding to battle the increase in HIV cases in the upcoming budget.
Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says the Ministry received $6 million for this financial year and hopes to receive more to cater for their HIV programs.
The Minister also highlighted they hope for more funding to strengthen primary health care and more allocations for outreach capabilities.
Dr Lalabalavu says they will also be making a submission for new equipment, medications, and infrastructure upgrades.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has revealed that 1,583 cases of HIV was recorded between January and December 2024 - and 90.3 percent of this are iTaukei.
This is equivalent to 1,430 individuals.
8.4 percent of the cases were among Fijians of Indian descent, and 1.3 percent were from other ethnic groups.
The 2025/2026 National Budget will be announced on the 27th of this month.
