HIGHLIGHTS
- AFHP supported the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to develop its Strategic Plan (2026 - 2031).
- The program supported MHMS to define an Essential Services Package for primary health care.
- The program has recently adapted its focus to advise and support Fiji’s HIV response.
PROJECT
Australia Fiji Health Program (AFHP)
The Challenge
Fiji is an upper middle-income country working to improve health outcomes amid a growing burden of non-communicable diseases and continuing sexual and reproductive health needs. Opportunities remain to strengthen health system performance by addressing budget and workforce constraints and improving systems, public financial management and governance.
A more balanced allocation of resources between hospitals and primary health care could support greater equity and efficiency. Continued investment in accessible, high-quality primary health care would also help people with chronic conditions receive effective care closer to home and reduce avoidable hospital admissions.
The Approach
Through the AFHP, the Australian Government provides support to strengthen a range of Fiji’s health systems. This includes supply chain management, ICT and digital health, workforce development, public financial management, procurement and inclusive primary health care service delivery.
AFHP also provides direct support to 5 targeted health centres and nursing stations to deliver primary health care services to agreed minimum standards, with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health services and noncommunicable disease services.
The Abt-managed Fiji Program Support Platform implements a portfolio of Australian Government-funded development programs, including AFHP, in alignment with Fiji's national priorities and the Vuvale Treaty.
The Results
- AFHP’s overall objective is to work with the Government of Fiji, under the Vuvale Treaty, to strengthen health systems and capabilities to deliver improved services, better health and wellbeing.
- The program also aims to support MHMS and health workers to use improved systems for medical supply chain management, digital health, workforce development, financial management and inclusive service delivery
- AFHP will also support MHMS to deliver improved and more inclusive primary health care services, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights and non-communicable disease services