“Call for Change: Advocating for Better HIV Care in Northern Fiji”

A man living with HIV in Labasa has called for the government to appoint a dedicated doctor to serve the Northern Division, citing challenges with accessibility to healthcare services in his locale. Temo Sasau expressed frustration over having to travel to Suva for medical checkups, which incurs costs of approximately $300 per visit. He noted the local doctor’s frequent unavailability and urged for better support mechanisms for individuals living with HIV, especially in light of the recent rise in cases across Fiji.

Sasau’s concerns resonate with broader statistics indicating a troubling trend in HIV cases throughout the nation, particularly in the Northern Division where 19 cases were reported in the first half of 2024. The Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, acknowledged the issue raised by Sasau, expressing openness to the idea of enhancing healthcare access in the Northern Division. He mentioned the government’s commitment to combatting this public health crisis by allocating $10 million to address the rising number of HIV cases, alongside an additional $4.5 million from the regional government.

In a related context, recent presentations by health officials, including Dr. Rachel Devi, highlighted a significant increase in HIV cases nationwide, with 552 new cases reported in the first half of 2024 alone. The Central Division showed the highest growth, seeing a 69% increase compared to the previous year. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu has also voiced the need for a robust response to the rising numbers, unveiling the HIV Surge Strategy 2024-2027 aimed at improving access to prevention, treatment, care, and educational initiatives.

These efforts underscore a collective recognition of the pressing health crisis and a commitment from government officials to explore solutions. Sasau’s plea for dedicated medical support in the Northern Division reflects a crucial aspect of improving healthcare accessibility for those living with HIV. The community’s awareness and proactive measures may bring about a positive shift in managing the virus, fostering hope for improvements in healthcare services across Fiji.