Social protection programmes have significantly reduced poverty among older persons, with evidence showing that many pension recipients are the main or sole income earners in their families, supporting not only their own wellbeing but also that of their entire households.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Social Protection, Eseta Nadakuitavuki highlighted this during the 2025 Australasian Aid Conference in Canberra, Australia.
She says that the Social Pension Scheme currently assists around 58,000 persons aged 65 and above, with an annual investment of approximately FJD 180 million, equivalent to 1.4 percent of Gross National Income.
Nadakuitavuki emphasised the importance of a lifecycle-based, shock-responsive social protection system to address Fiji’s ageing population, climate risks, and rising cost of living.
Her presentation underscored how social pensions in Fiji play a crucial role in maintaining both individual and family wellbeing, demonstrating the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable social protection.
