Opposition Member of Parliament Jone Usamate expressed concern over the alarming rise in HIV cases in Fiji, urging the Government to adopt an immediate community-wide approach to tackle the issue. Recent statistics from the Ministry of Health indicate that there have been 522 new HIV cases, representing a 33 percent increase compared to 2023.
Usamate noted that 85 of the 552 cases were linked to injectable drug use. He highlighted that the youth are particularly at risk and emphasized the need for proactive engagement to steer them away from hard drugs and risky sexual behaviors that can lead to HIV infection.
Reports have shown a troubling trend among young people, with many transitioning from using suki to marijuana and eventually to more harmful substances. Usamate mentioned that some countries have successfully implemented syringe services programs that provide access to sterile needles and offer safe disposal options to combat the spread of diseases.
However, he cautioned that such programs could be misinterpreted as endorsing drug use. Usamate called for stronger proactive measures to be adopted not only by the Government but also by community organizations, religious institutions, families, and schools. He reinforced the importance of unity in the fight against this pressing public health crisis.