The Health Ministry has reported 552 new HIV cases from January to June 2024, marking a 33 percent increase compared to the total from last year.
These new cases were identified across all divisions in Fiji, with 380 diagnosed in the Central division, 151 in the Western division, 19 in the Northern division, and 2 in the Eastern division.
The ministry noted that 73 percent of the new cases were among individuals under the age of 39. Specifically, 137 cases, or 24.8 percent, were in the 20 to 24 age group, while 128 cases, or 23 percent, were in the 25 to 29 age group. Additionally, 50 new cases, representing 9 percent, occurred in the 15 to 19 age range.
While sexual transmission remains the primary mode of HIV transmission in Fiji, the ministry highlighted that 15 percent, or 85 of the 552 new cases, were reported among individuals who identified as injectable drug users. This particular statistic raises concerns, as it indicates a significant rise in new cases among this demographic compared to previous years.
Despite the increase in new cases being alarming, the ministry expressed its expectation of further rises as it plans to enhance nationwide screening, testing, and enrollment into care programs.