The low usage of condoms during sexual encounters is significantly contributing to the recent surge in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in Fiji. Additionally, the sharing of non-sterile needles among injecting drug users poses another growing risk.
These issues are exacerbated by a lack of awareness regarding HIV prevention, testing, and treatment in Fiji. According to the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), only 30% of women and 26% of men aged 15-24 are knowledgeable about HIV prevention.
UNAIDS Pacific Office Director Renata Ram highlighted that the survey indicated minimal condom use among individuals with multiple sexual partners, with only 24% of men and 9% of women between the ages of 15-49 reporting condom use during their last sexual encounter.
The MICS also pointed to a lack of health-seeking behavior and knowledge regarding HIV status in the population, with just 7% of women and 4% of men in the 15-49 age group having undergone HIV testing in the past year and knowing their results.
UNAIDS is committed to playing a strategic and advocacy role in addressing the HIV crisis in Fiji.
Financial support plays a crucial role in these efforts. Ms. Ram announced that UNAIDS has secured donor funding from Australia through the Indo-Pacific Partnership, which has identified Fiji as a priority area for support.
An amount of $2.6 million has been allocated to enhance the response to HIV in Fiji over the next four years, in addition to ongoing financial assistance from Australia for HIV management and the implementation of Global Fund grants.
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