The budget allocated for the treatment of HIV positive people has been exceeded.
This was revealed at a National Stakeholders Consultation on Fiji’s HIV/AIDS midterm response at Lami.
HIV/AIDS National coordinator Dr Racheal Devi reveals the area where there was a bust in the budget.
Dr Devi said there was a significant increase with more than 90% of HIV positive people going on the HIV Anti-Retroviral treatment last year.
While not disclosing the shortfall she said funding however is now being sought through Government, Global Fund and also UN agencies.
Dr Devi added another area that needs to be strengthened is the integration of HIV financing.
According to Devi this will allow for better management and greater accountability of HIV funding whether from civil society groups or the Fiji Government.
Meanwhile, the treatment comes under continuum of care which is estimated to cost more than $2 million according to the Ministry of Health national strategic plan on HIV and STI.
Story by: Gwen McGoon
