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Funding for HIV programmes in Fiji has dropped in recent years, the country's health ministry says.
It comes as the country faces an outbreak of the disease, which UNAIDS says puts the whole Pacific region at risk.
The Fiji Times reports the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr Jemesa Tudravu, saying financial resources for HIV programs have decreased from FJ$5 million (US$2.1m) in 2011 to FJ$1.2million (US$516,540) by 2016.
"The government funding support reduced in 2012, and in 2013 it has slowly built up again in 2016 and 2018," he said.
"However, the support from international funding has markedly reduced.
"This is where we seek the support of international and regional partners to support the activity in Fiji."
Fiji's Minister of Health Dr Atonio Lalabalavu declared an outbreak of the disease on 23 Janaury, following the reporting of 1096 cases from January to September 2024.
As of mid-December, 19 under the age of five were diagnosed with HIV.
Before the declaration, the UN Development Programme (UNDP) delivered 3000 antiretroviral drugs to Fiji to support the HIV response.
A preacher in Fiji from the Fiji Evangelical Fellowship wants the government to provide training so church ministers and pastors can preach about drugs and HIV.
fijivillage.com reported Reverend Simione Tugi saying it was a big problem for a small nation like Fiji.
"We need a combined effort from everybody," he said.
"So the churches - the churches because we are very close to the people, to the communities. And we are there with the communites.
"I will plead to the government if they can help the church leaders to be educated, to give them the knowledge of how to identify these kind of cases that we have.
"Right now we cannot preach about the talk against drugs and HIV because we don't have the knowledge."
Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad said as the global incidence of HIV decreased, international funding, including support from the World Health Organisation (WHO), also diminished.
He said the Government was prioritising the HIV response, promising adequate funding for the Ministry of Health in future budgets.
"We will work with appropriate agencies, departments, and ensure the health ministry has what it needs to address this issue."
Dr Lalabalavu said te country's health system, while not without its challenges, is equipped to handle the rise in HIV cases.
The Fiji Sun reported around 115 HIV-related deaths in the January-September 2024 period.
