Alarming statistics show 1,583 new HIV cases recorded, out of which 90% are iTaukei

Recent statistics have revealed a concerning rise in HIV cases in Fiji, with 1,583 new diagnoses recorded between January and December 2024 - and of these, a staggering 90.3% are iTaukei which is equivalent to 1,430 individuals.

This was shared by Minister for Health, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, during a round-table discussion on Fiji’s HIV outbreak response with development partners at the Grand Pacific Hotel.

Dr. Lalabalavu says 8.4% of the new cases were among Fijians of Indian descent, while 1.3% were from other ethnic groups.

The Health Minister is reminding the people that the outbreak is no longer a looming threat but it is a current and urgent crisis.

He adds that the statistics also include 32 newborns diagnosed with HIV through mother-to-child transmission and the new cases span all regions of Fiji, with the Central Division reporting the highest number at 1,100 cases (69.49%, the Western Division followed with 427 cases (26.97%), while the Northern and Eastern Divisions reported 50 (3.16%) and 6 (0.38%) cases, respectively.

Dr Lalabalavu says the majority of infections were found in young adults aged 20 to 29, with 815 cases representing 51% of all new diagnoses and men accounted for 70% of the overall cases.

He says he is grateful to the United Nations Aids Program for stepping in during this time of need and working together with the Government and other stakeholders to address and scale up measures in the fight against HIV.

He urged the public to take proactive steps, get tested, and know their HIV status.

Dr Lalabalavu says this is not business as usual and the moment to act is now.