The global trend of decreasing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases contrasts sharply with the situation in Fiji, as highlighted by Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu during a parliamentary session on Wednesday.
Opposition MP Virendra Lal raised concerns about the ministry’s handling of the growing number of HIV cases in Fiji. He asked the Minister to provide details on measures implemented to address the rise in drug-related offenses and HIV infections among young people.
Dr. Lalabalavu noted that Fiji is on track to become the second fastest-growing country in terms of HIV cases in the Asia Pacific region, following the Philippines. He emphasized that the government has identified injectable drug use as a major issue affecting Fiji.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services reported 552 new HIV cases from January to June of this year. Of these, Dr. Lalabalavu mentioned that 15 percent were linked to injectable drug use, marking a troubling new record for the nation.
In response to these growing challenges, the ministry is taking proactive steps to enhance its HIV response as it relates to drug use. This includes improving HIV testing and treatment services throughout Fiji in a decentralized manner.
The government has allocated $200,000 for this financial year to bolster its HIV response efforts.