Fiji recorded 2,016 new HIV cases in 2025, marking a 27 percent increase from the previous year, while 117 people including children have died from HIV related illnesses.
This was highlighted by Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa during a HIV awareness programme at Delainamasi Government School in Nasinu.
He urges students not to give in to peer pressure as the country continues to battle rising HIV infections and increasing drug abuse among young people.
Ravunawa says many of the new HIV infections were recorded among people aged between 15 and 34 years, with studies continuing to show a strong link between unsafe injecting drug use and the rapid spread of HIV.
He warns students not to allow anyone to convince them that drugs are cool, harmless or a shortcut to acceptance.
Students dressed in red during the programme to show their support for HIV awareness and to stand against stigma and discrimination.
Ravunawa says their participation sends a strong message that young people are ready to stand together against stigma, discrimination, drug abuse and the spread of HIV.
He also stresses that experimenting with drugs not only increases the risk of addiction but can expose young people to life-changing diseases that may affect their health, education, families and future aspirations.
