New HIV reports have risen fivefold in Fiji since 2019 - FNU

The new HIV infections report has risen fivefold in Fiji since 2019, with the highest number of cases reported in the Central Division.

This has been highlighted by the Fiji National University, which has motivated them to step up to the challenge as a key partner in the national effort to contain and control the HIV outbreak that has recently experienced a severe surge across the country.

In a statement, FNU says though the numbers have been increasing, antiretroviral therapy coverage is low, with only approximately 35 percent of the estimated 6,100 individuals living with HIV on treatment.

They say with HIV infections reaching record heights, and having 1,093 new infections reported as of January through September 2024, Fiji has technically crossed the outbreak threshold, being more than two standard deviations above the national average of 215 cases.

They add that the alarming spike in cases has initiated an immediate response from the Government and educational institutions, spearheaded by FNU, with the Ministry of Health calling for a joint multi-sectoral response.

In support of this initiative, FNU says they have established a University Technical Action Group (U-TAG) which comprises faculty experts, clinicians, laboratory scientists, nurses, researchers, volunteer staff, and student representatives.

U-TAG is actively organising and implementing HIV screening campaigns across all FNU campuses nationwide.

FNU says these activities extend beyond testing and include health education, data collection, referral systems, and the integration of prevention tools such as condom dispensers, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and needle exchange programmes.

They say their participation in the national HIV response is an acknowledgement of the power of academic institutions to respond at times of public health crisis.