The Ministry for Health is concerned that there is a rising trend of mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, and this year alone, they have seen multiple new infections diagnosed in newborns.
Divisional Medical Officer West Dr Abdul Shah says the rise in new HIV cases in our nation is a cause for urgent concern, and according to the UNAIDS Global AIDS Monitoring Report 2022, Fiji has witnessed a staggering 260 percent increase in estimated new infections—the second fastest-growing epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region since 2010.
He says in the past few years, they have seen alarming numbers that bear witness to this crisis, and since reporting Fiji’s first case of HIV in 1989, the Ministry of Health has recorded new cases in the hundreds for the first time.
Dr Shah says they recorded 121 new HIV cases in 2021, which rapidly escalated to 245 in 2022 and 415 in 2023.
He adds as of June 2024, their records show an alarming 552 new cases.
The Divisional Medical Officer West says of these new cases, an overwhelming 97 percent were diagnosed in adults, and 15 percent of the new cases reported involve individuals who use injectable illicit drugs.
He says tragically, they are also witnessing an increase in AIDS-related deaths, emphasizing the urgent need for effective intervention.
While speaking on the National HIV Surge Strategy, Dr Shah says this strategy has been a collaborative effort involving diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, and the community.
He says that through extensive consultations organized by the Family Health Unit, invaluable insights and recommendations from community support groups and various organizations have been incorporated.
He further says the strategy has been harmonized with the National Narcotic Strategy 2023 - 2028, ensuring a cohesive approach to address the multifaceted challenges posed by HIV within the broader context of public health and human rights.
He adds the strategy has five key priority areas focusing on increasing public awareness and understanding of HIV infections, reducing transmissions, expediting public health responses, and ensuring that treatment, care, human rights, and social justice for those living with HIV are central to their response.
The Divisional Medical Officer West says a diagnosis of HIV is no longer a death sentence, and with appropriate treatment, individuals living with HIV can lead productive, fulfilling lives and make significant contributions to their families, communities, and Fiji as a whole.
He says the Ministry’s vision is to ensure that every person living with HIV has access to the comprehensive care, support, and resources they need.
Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations
