The Australian government has announced a further AU$4 million (FJ$5.7m) in funding to support Fiji’s HIV outbreak response. Australian Foreign Affairs Minister, Penny Wong, revealed this during her official visit to the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat in Suva yesterday. “I know that this is an issue the Government and people of Fiji have been dealing with, and we’re pleased to be able to contribute to the response plan,” Ms Wong said. “We want to work with you to prevent the spread of HIV as well as to improve treatment and reduce harm to those who are living with the disease.” During her stopover at the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital later in the day, Minister Wong added that the funding would support disease surveillance and testing critical to the prevention and treatment efforts in local communities. She also praised Fiji’s Health Minister, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu’s leadership in the face of the HIV crisis. As part of bilateral visits to the Pacific this week following her re-election, Minister Wong, accompanied by Australia’s Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Matt Thistlethwaite, were in Suva from May 19 to 20. Yesterday, she met Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to discuss Australia and Fiji’s Vuvale Partnership and strengthen cooperation on development and climate action. Minister Wong also met the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC) Chair Ratu Viliame Seruvakula, to discuss the opening of the new GCC complex and building connections between First Nations communities. Feedback: jernese.macanawai@fijisun.com.fj