The Health Ministry has reported 552 new HIV cases in Fiji from January to June 2024, marking a 33 percent increase compared to the previous year.
These new cases have been identified across all divisions of Fiji, with the Central division accounting for 380 cases, the Western division 151 cases, the Northern division 19 cases, and the Eastern division 2 cases.
The ministry noted that 73 percent of these new cases were among individuals under 39 years old. Specifically, 137 cases (24.8 percent) were in the 20 to 24 age group, 128 cases (23 percent) in the 25 to 29 age group, and 50 cases (9 percent) in the 15 to 19 age group.
Although sexual transmission remains the primary method of HIV transmission in the country, 15 percent (85 cases) of the new diagnoses involved individuals who identified as injectable drug users. This represents a concerning rise in new cases within this demographic compared to previous years.
While the increase in new HIV cases is alarming, the ministry expects further rises as it enhances nationwide screening, testing efforts, and enrollment into care programs.