Fiji is currently reporting the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the Pacific, ranking third globally, with cases continuing to rise.
This concern was highlighted by Ministry for Health Sexual Reproductive and HIV Unit Dr. Emali Tuirara while speaking on the VITIFM Virikawakawa program with Maria Solomone.
Dr. Tuirara attributes the increase largely to the growing use and sharing of needles, which has significantly driven up infection rates over the past three years.
She says that in 2023, more than 400 people were estimated to have contracted HIV, and in 2024, that number tripled, and by 2025, over 2,000 citizens have been reported as living with the virus.
Dr. Tuirara says that these figures represent only reported cases.
She warned that numbers are likely to keep rising unless the government introduces a Needle and Syringe Program.
Dr Tuirara says such a program would allow health facilities and hospitals to provide sterile needles to users, helping prevent the sharing of contaminated equipment and reducing transmission.
She adds that similar programs in other countries have successfully reduced infection rates and could be effective in Fiji as well.
She is urging citizens and youths to check their HIV status.
Dr. Tuirara also advised that individuals who may feel uncomfortable visiting hospitals can seek testing at NGOs such as Medical Services Pacific and the Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji.
She noted that people do not need to wait up to two weeks for results, as these organisations have equipment that can provide test results within 15 minutes.
