The low usage of condoms during sexual intercourse is significantly contributing to the recent rise in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in Fiji. The sharing of unclean needles among injecting drug users presents another growing concern.
These issues stem from a combination of factors, including the overall low condom usage in the country and a lack of awareness regarding HIV prevention, testing, and treatment options. Findings from Fiji’s first Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in 2021 revealed that only 30 percent of women aged 15-24 and 26 percent of men in the same age group were aware of HIV prevention methods.
Renata Ram, the country director of the UNAIDS Pacific Office, noted that the survey highlighted particularly low condom use among individuals with multiple sexual partners. It showed that only 24 percent of men and nine percent of women aged 15-49 reported using a condom during their most recent sexual encounter.
“The MICS has also uncovered a lack of health-seeking behaviors and a limited understanding of HIV status among individuals in Fiji,” Ram stated. “The proportion of women and men aged 15-49 who have undergone HIV testing in the last year and know their results is quite low, at seven percent and four percent, respectively.”
UNAIDS is strategically involved in advocating for improved HIV response in Fiji, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. Ram announced that UNAIDS has secured donor funding from Australia as part of the Indo-Pacific Partnership, recognizing Fiji as a prioritized focus within this new collaboration.
“A total of $2.6 million from Australia has been allocated to enhance the HIV response in Fiji over the next four years. This funding is in addition to other financial support that Fiji receives from Australia for managing its HIV response and implementing grants from the Global Fund,” she added.
Leave a comment