Fiji’s Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, has raised urgent concerns regarding the escalating HIV/AIDS crisis in the country. Speaking at the Calvary Temple Church, he highlighted a disturbing trend of family members sharing needles for injecting drugs, which is contributing significantly to the spread of HIV within homes.
Dr. Lalabalavu reported that in 2024 alone, Fiji witnessed more than 1,000 new cases of HIV/AIDS. A notable majority of these cases are among individuals aged 20-29, with the Central Division experiencing the highest incidence rates. Alarmingly, more than 50% of these new cases are connected to injectable drug use, and there have been instances of children as young as 10 testing positive for the virus.
The Minister emphasized the gravity of the issue, stating, “Families are sharing needles—fathers and children are using drugs together and passing the virus within their homes.” He also mentioned that men-to-men sexual relations are a significant factor in the transmission of the virus.
Dr. Lalabalavu called on the church community to address these pressing issues openly. “We need to speak openly about these matters in church. The church must take a stand. Let’s open our ears, eyes, and doors, and be aware of what’s happening around us,” he urged.
He further pointed out that the Ministry of Health is grappling with multiple health challenges, including the prevalence of non-communicable diseases, while stressing the importance of HIV/AIDS awareness. “We need everyone to talk about this and stop being bystanders or remaining silent,” he concluded, calling for a communal effort to tackle this critical health crisis.
This growing health issue necessitates a collective response from all sectors of society, and increasing awareness can pave the way for effective prevention and support strategies to combat the rise of HIV/AIDS in Fiji.
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