The global trend of decreasing Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases contrasts sharply with the situation in Fiji, as highlighted by the Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, in Parliament on Wednesday.
During the session, Opposition Member of Parliament Virendra Lal questioned Dr. Lalabalavu about the ministry’s actions in response to the rising HIV cases in the country. Mr. Lal emphasized the need for clarity on how the government plans to tackle the uptick in drug-related offenses and the corresponding increase in HIV cases among the youth.
Dr. Lalabalavu pointed out that Fiji is on track to become the second fastest-growing nation for HIV infections in the Asia Pacific region, following only the Philippines. He noted that the government has acknowledged the significant issue of injectable drug use in Fiji.
Recent reports from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services revealed that there were 552 new HIV cases reported from January to June this year. Dr. Lalabalavu mentioned that out of 525 cases, 15 percent were linked to injectable drug users, marking a troubling first for the nation.
In response to these challenges, the ministry is taking steps to enhance its HIV intervention strategies focused on drug use prevention. Efforts are underway to improve HIV testing and treatment services throughout Fiji in a more decentralized manner. The government has allocated $200,000 in the current financial year specifically for the HIV response.