There is no region in Fiji that is free from HIV, according to Dr. Rachel Devi, head of family health at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. Speaking at the ODPP Annual Conference in Sigatoka, Dr. Devi stressed that HIV is present across all divisions and subdivisions in the country.
She pointed out that while the Suva-Nausori area presents significant challenges in terms of HIV rates, the maritime regions are also facing similar issues. During outreach programs to islands, health officials have sometimes discovered five to six new positive cases in a single visit.
In the first half of 2024, Fiji recorded 552 new HIV cases, with 540 occurring among adults and 12 among children. The Central Division has seen approximately 380 cases, marking a troubling 69 percent increase from the previous year. The East has reported two new cases, the West 151 new cases, and the Northern Division 19 new cases.
Despite the lack of a cure for HIV, Dr. Devi emphasized that with the right access to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, HIV infection can be managed as a chronic health condition.
This overview calls for ongoing awareness and healthcare initiatives to address the pervasive presence of HIV in Fiji. There is hope in the healthcare community’s commitment to effectively manage the condition, emphasizing that with continued education and access to treatment, the challenges posed by HIV can be significantly mitigated.
Summary: Dr. Rachel Devi highlighted the widespread presence of HIV across all regions in Fiji during a recent conference. She reported a significant increase in new cases in 2024 and emphasized that while there is no cure, with proper management, HIV can be treated as a chronic condition. The article underscores the need for continued public health efforts and education to combat HIV effectively.
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