The Fiji Medical Association (FMA) is urging the government to prioritize the declaration of an HIV outbreak, highlighting the recent alarming increase in cases across the nation. FMA President Dr. Alipate Vakamocea expressed deep concern over the surge, which has seen a staggering 241 percent rise in HIV infections from 2010 to 2023. In the first half of this year alone, over 550 new cases of HIV were reported, marking a 33 percent increase compared to the previous year.
Dr. Vakamocea warned that the situation is exacerbated by deficiencies in testing, treatment, and prevention programs, presenting a significant public health challenge. While sexual transmission remains the leading cause of HIV spread in Fiji, the association acknowledges a concerning rise in cases linked to injectable drug use amid an ongoing hard drug crisis.
To combat the epidemic effectively, the FMA has laid out three main recommendations for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS): to officially declare an HIV outbreak, to enhance targeted testing, prevention, and treatment initiatives, and to improve the systems for data collection and reporting.
The FMA emphasized that recognizing the current surge as an outbreak could help mobilize resources and foster collaborations similar to those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. This collaborative approach, they argue, is essential for addressing the alarming increase in HIV cases and preventing further casualties.
The association has expressed its willingness to support the Health Ministry and has called for urgent action, suggesting that the timely implementation of the Fiji HIV and Illicit Drug Surge Strategy for 2024-2026 is critical to controlling the epidemic.
In summary, the FMA’s proactive stance highlights the importance of addressing the growing HIV crisis in Fiji, and their commitment to working alongside the government in a unified effort offers a beacon of hope for mobilizing resources and crafting impactful strategies against this public health threat.
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