The Fiji Government promises to support to train frontline health workers especially nurses, specialists and related expertise with the skills to detect Lupus early- a commitment to catching the quiet disease before it speaks loud.
Making this promise at the “Dancing with Lupus” annual dinner fundraiser in Suva tonight (31:05:2025), Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka said while lupus might be invisible to the naked eye, the pain, fatigue, cost of treatment, and the emotional burden were all too real.
PM Rabuka stated that the Government would work toward ensuring that lupus was represented in national NCD strategies, wellness programmes, and chronic disease frameworks.
“We must stop treating it at arm’s length, or worse, in isolation,” Hon. Rabuka stated.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to backing initiatives to explore deployment of rheumatology services beyond Suva so that patients in the North, West, and maritime regions do not have to travel long distances to get care.
“We must strengthen our partnership with medical schools and overseas institutions to expand specialist training. We must ensure affordable access to medications and care.
“Lupus medications such as hydroxychloroquine, immunosuppressants, and steroids are essential but often unaffordable. The Ministry of Health will explore expanding the Essential Medicines List to include key lupus medications, working with the Pharmacy Board to ensure consistent national stock availability and encouraging public-private partnerships to support affordability and access.”
He said it was the duty of the Government to ensure that every Fijian living with chronic illnesses had the dignity of care, access to treatment, and hope for the future.
“We recognise the Lupus Foundation not just as an NGO—but as a lifeline for patients and families. Government will work with you to facilitate awareness campaigns in schools, workplaces, and health facilities. Government will support your community outreach and education programmes. And the Government will consider formal collaboration through MOUs or government grant support, where appropriate."
The PM committed to exploring ways for patient representatives to contribute to national health dialogues, service design consultations, and monitoring access and equity in care delivery.
“As your Prime Minister, I reaffirm my government’s commitment to building a healthcare system where no Fijian feels invisible or forgotten, especially those living with complex chronic illnesses like lupus.”
Referring to lupus patients as “brave Lupus warriors”, PM Rabuka said their resilience inspired leaders and everyone as a nation.