The global trend regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) shows a decline, but Fiji faces a contrasting situation. This was emphasized by the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, during a parliamentary session on Wednesday.
Opposition MP Virendra Lal raised concerns about the rise in HIV cases in Fiji, prompting him to inquire about the ministry’s strategies to address the increase in drug-related offenses and HIV among the youth.
Dr. Lalabalavu informed Parliament that Fiji is poised to become the second fastest-growing country for HIV cases in the Asia Pacific, trailing only behind the Philippines. He noted the critical issue of injectable drug use contributing to this trend.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services disclosed last month that there were 552 reported cases of HIV from January to June. Dr. Lalabalavu mentioned that 15 percent of these cases, totaling 525, involved injectable drug users, marking a record high for Fiji.
In response to these challenges, the ministry is taking steps to reinforce its HIV response targeting drug use, including enhancing HIV testing and treatment services throughout the country. The government has allocated $200,000 in the current financial year specifically for HIV response measures.