The Health Ministry has reported 552 new HIV cases in Fiji from January to June 2024, marking a 33 percent increase compared to last year.
These new infections have been identified across all divisions in Fiji, with the Central division accounting for 380 cases, the Western division reporting 151 cases, the Northern division noting 19 cases, and 2 cases in the Eastern division.
The ministry highlighted that 73 percent of the new cases were among individuals under 39 years old, including 137 cases (24.8 percent) in the 20 to 24 age bracket, 128 cases (23 percent) in the 25 to 29 age category, and 50 cases (9 percent) in the 15 to 19 age group.
While sexual transmission remains the predominant route for HIV spread in Fiji, 15 percent of the cases, or 85 individuals, identified as injectable drug users. This trend raises alarm as it indicates a notable rise in new infections among this demographic compared to previous years.
Although the rise in HIV cases is concerning, the ministry expects the numbers to increase further, as it focuses on enhancing nationwide screening, testing efforts, and enrollment into care programs.