95 new cases of HIV were diagnosed during the lockdown period last year

Dr Waqainabete says awareness and outreach programs did not happen last year because of lockdowns

Health Minister Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete says we need to realize that awareness and outreach programs did not happen at all last year because of lockdowns following reports that a steep rise in HIV cases in Fiji is causing concern and comes as outreach programs have been left unfunded.

According to the UN AIDS Country Director for Fiji and the Pacific Renata Ram, 95 cases of HIV AIDS were diagnosed during the lockdown period in Fiji last year.

She has told ABC News that we have seen more than a 100% increase in cases in the last decade.

Ram says what they are worried about is that cases of new HIV infections among young people have doubled.

She says there is also an increase in mother to child infection and adds it is a situation where a whole generation have low knowledge about HIV infections.

Ram says some countries with higher epidemics have zero but Fiji recorded 6 mother to child infections last year.

Dr Waqainabete says we are not alone in this and there are other countries who are struggling with diseases apart from COVID.