Fiji’s HIV response has moved towards a more integrated digital system with the launch of a new HIV module within PATISPlus, aimed at improving patient care, data management and follow-up services.
The module was officially launched by Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu at Yatu Lau House in Toorak this morning, marking what he describes as a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare journey.
Dr Lalabalavu says reliable and timely health data is essential for effective decision-making, planning and patient-centred care.
Previously, patient histories were often reconstructed through paper records, phone calls and manual processes when patients transferred between facilities or returned after missing appointments.
The Minister says the new digital platform will help address these challenges by providing a secure system where healthcare workers can capture, manage and access critical patient information.
He says the system will also help identify patients who are overdue for appointments and allow health teams to intervene earlier.
The launch was supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian Vuvale Health Programme, which provided technical assistance and implementation support.
Meanwhile, 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.
According to Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa, 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.
