The sharing of needles and syringes among drug users in Fiji is significantly contributing to the spread of HIV to the heterosexual population, a pressing concern addressed by Dr. Dashika Balak, Senior Medical Officer-in-Charge of the Sexual Reproductive Health Hub. During her presentation at the Fiji Medical Association Mini Conference 2025 in Suva, she highlighted that all tested men who were HIV positive in 2024 had contracted the virus through needle sharing, with a total of 1,093 new cases reported last year, of which 784 were males.
Dr. Balak pointed out a troubling trend where HIV is transmitted from injecting drug users to their partners, and subsequently to newborns if the female partners become pregnant. While 40% of new HIV cases in females are linked directly to injecting drug use, a stark 100% of male cases reported from this demographic are attributed to needle sharing.
To combat the rising number of HIV cases, Dr. Balak called for a collective approach involving local communities, healthcare workers, and non-governmental organizations. She emphasized that effective prevention needs grassroots involvement, as communities are best equipped to reach at-risk populations.
This discourse resonates with the letter from Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, who similarly warns about the escalating health crisis, underscoring the necessity for community mobilization to address both drug use and HIV transmission effectively. Both officials advocate for urgent actions, including community education and harm reduction strategies.
Despite alarming statistics, there is hope. Ongoing discussions and recent proposals for new healthcare initiatives may pave the way for better prevention and treatment strategies in Fiji. The collective effort of various sectors in society could lead to significant improvements in addressing the intertwined challenges of drug abuse and HIV transmission, ultimately fostering a healthier future for vulnerable populations.
The alarming rise in HIV cases serves as a critical reminder of the community’s role in health and prevention. With focused initiatives targeting awareness and support, Fiji can harness collective strength to tackle this pressing health challenge.
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