NEW Zealand has pledged NZD 4 million to support Fiji’s fight against a growing HIV outbreak, describing the crisis as a serious threat to lives and livelihoods across the country.

New Zealand’s Minister for Pacific Peoples, Dr Shane Reti, said the funding was about more than dollars – it was a show of solidarity.

“Fiji is facing a significant public health crisis – one that is affecting thousands of lives and placing real pressure on mental, social, and economic wellbeing across the country,” said Dr Reti.

“This is about more than funding – it’s about standing with our Pacific whānau in times of need and backing their leadership and solutions,” he said in a statement.

Dr Reti met with Fiji’s Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, to hear firsthand about the country’s response and the implementation of its HIV Response Plan.