Fiji Strengthens Commitment to Universal Health Coverage at Global Forum
The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu, attended the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) High-Level Forum at the Akasaka Intercity Conference Center (AICC) on 6 December 2025. The event was co-hosted by the Government of Japan, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Bank Group.
The forum brought together 200 Ministers and Senior Health and Finance Officials from 24 countries to share knowledge on delivering quality health services, review global progress toward UHC, and commit to concrete action plans for building inclusive, resilient, and equitable health systems.
A major highlight of the forum was the launch of the Universal Health Coverage Knowledge Hub, a global platform designed to strengthen health financing in low- and middle-income countries. The Hub will provide evidence-based policy guidance, peer learning opportunities, and leadership training to help health and finance institutions in implementing sustainable reforms. This marks a shift from advocacy to practical action, underpinning UHC as both a health and economic priority aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
In addressing a session on global partnership and new commitments towards deepening UHC country compacts, Minister Lalabalavu emphasized Fiji’s commitment to modernizing the national healthcare system, highlighting the Pacific Healthy Islands Transformation (PHIT) Project, which aims to improve healthcare delivery and ensure equitable access to essential services for all Fijians. To support this vision, Fiji has secured joint funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank, positioning Fiji as a model for health system modernization in the Pacific.
Along the margins of the forum, Dr. Lalabalavu also met with Hon. Kenichiro Ueno, Japan’s Minister for Health, Labour and Welfare.The Ministers expressed appreciation for the recent Fiji–Japan Prime Ministers’ Bilateral Summit held on 13 November 2025 and the signing of the Lomavata-Kizuna Partnership. Both sides commended their strong bilateral relationship, with Japan contributing significantly to Fiji’s efforts in combating non-communicable diseases, improving basic healthcare, strengthening workforce capacity, and supporting infrastructure development.
Minister Ueno further acknowledged Fiji’s role in the Pacific Health Ministerial Meeting (PHMM) and its contributions to the Healthy Islands Vision 2050. Fiji has hosted the PHMM since its inception in 1995, underscoring its contribution in regional health initiatives. Minister Lalabalavu also recognized Japan’s role as a WHO Executive Board Member in addressing health challenges in the Pacific. Both Ministers noted Japan’s plans to utilize the newly launched UHC Knowledge Hub to build health financing, share expertise, and promote human resource development, while commending the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for its ongoing support in Fiji and the Pacific region.
Hon. Minister Lalabalavu was also joined by the Permanent Secretary for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Jemesa Tudravu and Ms. Kelera Savu, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim (CdA a.i.) at the Fiji Embassy Tokyo.
End.
Embassy of the Republic of Fiji
TOKYO
06/12/2025