AIDS related deaths increase from 49 in 2022 to 82 in 2023

The issue of HIV/AIDS continues to rise as shocking statistics revealed by the UNDP, highlighted the increase of AIDS related deaths with 49 in 2022 and 82 in 2023.

To address the public health challenges posed by HIV, STI, Hepatitis B and TB in Fiji, the Health Ministry has signed a significant finance agreement with the United Nations Development Programme amounting to $5.2 million to implement the Multi-country Western Pacific Integrated HIV/Tuberculosis (HIV/TB) Programme in Fiji.

According to UNDP, the funding will be executed over a three-year period from 2024 to 2026 and is structured to support comprehensive strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence and impact of these diseases through enhanced healthcare services, education, and community outreach initiatives.

They say in 2023, Fiji recorded 415 new cases of HIV, which is a significant increase compared to 2022, with 245 new cases reported and 151 new cases in 2021.

UNDP says the Fiji Health Procurement Project – supported under the Multi-country Western Pacific Integrated HIV/TB Programme, will assist the Ministry in obtaining timely, quality, and affordable HIV, STI, Hepatitis B, and TB health products.

UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office in Fiji, Munkhtuya Altangerel, says through UNDP’s continued support to the government and people of Fiji, they further demonstrate their shared commitment to reaching the most affected and hard-to-reach populations across the country.

She says initiatives such as this will elevate standards of care by providing quality services and timely medication and improving diagnostic and treatment for all, and they thank the government alongside the Global Fund for their support to ensure that we leave no one behind.

Altangerel says the project will ensure that essential HIV, STI, and TB drugs, medical supplies and equipment are procured and delivered to the Ministry efficiently.

UNDP says the finance agreement between them and the Ministry is essential to the advancement of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being.

The Minister for Health, Dr Atonio Lalabalavu, who was also present at the signing, expressed his gratitude to UNDP for assisting the Ministry in improving and enhancing the healthcare system.