Young people should stick to abstinence or always use condoms - Naitala

Survival Advocacy Network Project Coordinator, Sesenieli Naitala Naitala’s is advising youths to not jump into sex quickly as there are consequences.

Naitala says young people should stick to abstinence until they know they are ready to settle and have a family and always use condoms to prevent something they will regret.

The number of new HIV infections in Fiji has surged by a staggering 260 percent since 2010, making Fiji the second fastest-growing epidemic in the Asia Pacific region.

The Health Ministry says a detailed analysis of the data revealed that 245 new cases of HIV were diagnosed last year, the highest ever to be recorded in a year, indicating that new HIV infections are on the rise.

Males were the most affected with 61 percent (150 cases), females recorded 36 percent (88 cases), and transgender with 3% (7 cases).

43 percent of the new cases are among individuals aged 20 to 29 years and 28 percent are between 30 to 39 years.

Naitala says educational institutions and community establishments have the capacity to spread information tailored to specific age groups concerning the transmission of HIV/AIDS, practices promoting sexual safety and availability of testing resources.

She says we need to enhance the availability of cost-free testing and treatment services by implementing additional free or affordable testing facilities, facilitating the availability of at-home testing options, and offering complimentary anti-retroviral therapy can effectively reduce obstacles to the diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

She says their objective is to mitigate the social stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, efforts such as public awareness campaigns, the active involvement of community leaders, and fostering open discussions have the potential to mitigate the detrimental stigma that hinders individuals from seeking testing and treatment.

Naitala says advocating the implementation of youth-led initiatives and peer education programs are effective means to empower young individuals in safeguarding both themselves and their communities.

She says initiatives aimed at supporting young people such as candid conversations serve as a valuable supplement to educational initiatives targeting schools and youth, specifically in the context of HIV and sexual health.