AUSTRALIA's development assistance to Fiji is expected to increase, says acting Australian Head of Mission Glenn Miles.
Mr Miles made the announcement at the University of the South Pacific's Fiji Update in Nadi on Friday.
He said Australia's commitment directly benefited the health and education of low income earners and those affected by the two floods earlier this year.
"We remain Fiji's largest development partner with a total official development assistance estimated at $100m Fijian dollars in 2012-2013 and that's only going to increase further in 2013-2014." Mr Miles said.
"Our assistance is focussed on increased support for the most vulnerable communities in Fiji," he said.
On the health front, Mr Miles said Australian aid was focused on ensuring kids had access to vaccines and on natal and non-communicable disease awareness programs.
"Our current programs are focussed on improving pre and post natal care at 17 sub-divisional health centres and hospitals, supporting diabetes centres at 32 health centres and supporting new vaccination programs targeting children," he said.
"We need to ensure Fiji's children are protected from pneumonia, diarrhea, sepsis and cervical cancer.
"And the socio-economic benefits are obvious, they free up hospital resources which are constantly under pressure and by improving the quality of life for children and their families, this will contribute to an active and prosperous community," said Mr Miles.
On education the senior diplomat said: "We're also improving education by providing grants to school committees and refurbishing 180 primary schools in Fiji's poorest districts."