The rise in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in Fiji has been significantly linked to low condom usage during sexual intercourse. Additionally, the practice of sharing unclean needles among injecting drug users presents another growing concern.
A lack of awareness regarding HIV prevention, testing, and treatment is contributing to these challenges. According to Fiji’s first Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in 2021, only 30 percent of women and 26 percent of men aged 15 to 24 have sufficient knowledge about HIV prevention.
Renata Ram, the UNAIDS Pacific Office country director, noted that the survey highlighted particularly low condom usage among individuals with multiple sexual partners. Specifically, just 24 percent of men and only 9 percent of women in the 15 to 49 age bracket reported using a condom during their last sexual encounter.
The MICS data also indicated inadequate health-seeking behavior, with only 7 percent of women and 4 percent of men in the same age group having undergone HIV testing in the past year and being aware of their results. UNAIDS is focusing on advocacy work in response to the HIV crisis in Fiji.
To strengthen the national HIV response, UNAIDS has secured donor support from Australia amounting to $2.6 million, aimed at enhancing the HIV response in Fiji over the next four years. This funding is part of the broader financial assistance from Australia dedicated to managing Fiji’s HIV initiatives and supporting grants from the Global Fund.
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