The Ministry of Health is assessing methods to curb HIV transmission linked to injectable drug use, with the safe syringe option being a primary focus. Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu emphasized in Parliament that it is crucial to consider all possibilities without implying that the ministry endorses drug use.
Dr. Lalabalavu noted that the safe syringe program should aim not only to minimize transmission from injectable drug use but also to avoid promoting drug usage. He indicated that discussions on this matter should involve not only the ministry and government but also relevant stakeholders.
He highlighted that while global HIV rates are declining, Fiji faces a different situation. According to Dr. Lalabalavu, Fiji ranks as the second fastest growing nation in terms of new HIV cases in the Asia-Pacific region, only behind the Philippines. He revealed that 15 percent of the 552 new HIV cases reported in the first half of 2024 were associated with injectable drug use.
The minister informed Parliament about ongoing efforts to improve access to HIV testing and treatment services throughout the nation, focusing on harm reduction and decreasing stigma against those affected by HIV. The Fiji National HIV Surge Strategy 2024-2027 is being finalized and will soon be submitted to Cabinet. This strategy includes five key priority areas designed to reduce HIV transmission and enhance public health treatment, care, human rights, and social justice for individuals with HIV.
For the financial year 2024/2025, the government has allocated $200,000 for HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs. Dr. Lalabalavu mentioned that the ministry would pursue additional funding through donors and other stakeholders. The ministry aims to improve decentralization of point-of-care testing down to subdivision hospitals and health centers, but noted that the rise in new cases is largely due to increased testing efforts.