The Health Ministry has reported 552 new HIV cases 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 380 cases in the Central division, 151 in the Western division, 19 in the Northern division, and 2 in the Eastern division.
The ministry indicated that 73 percent of the new cases involve individuals under the age of 39. Specifically, 137 new cases (24.8 percent) were found in the 20 to 24 age group, 128 cases (23 percent) in the 25 to 29 age range, and 50 cases (9 percent) in the 15 to 19 age group.
While sexual transmission remains the leading method of HIV spread in Fiji, 15 percent, or 85 of the total new cases, were recorded among individuals who identified as injectable drug users. This development has raised concerns, as it marks a significant rise in new cases among this population compared to previous years.
Despite the alarming increase in new cases, the ministry expects that numbers will continue to rise as it enhances nationwide screening, testing, and enrollment into care programs.