The Health Ministry has reported 552 new HIV cases from January to June 2024, marking a 33 percent increase compared to the entire last year.
These new HIV cases have been identified across all divisions in Fiji, with the Central division accounting for 380 cases, the Western division with 151 cases, the Northern division reporting 19 cases, and the Eastern division having 2 cases.
The ministry highlighted that 73 percent of the new cases involved individuals under the age of 39. Specifically, 137 cases, or 24.8 percent, were among those aged 20 to 24, 128 cases representing 23 percent were in the 25 to 29 age group, and 50 cases, or 9 percent, were identified in the 15 to 19 age group.
Although sexual transmission remains the most common mode of HIV spread in Fiji, 15 percent, or 85 of the new cases, were reported among individuals who identified as injectable drug users. This signifies a notable rise in new cases linked to drug use compared to previous years.
The ministry expressed concern over the rise in new cases but anticipates that the numbers may continue to grow as it enhances nationwide screening, testing, and enrollment into care programs.