The Ministry of Health is focusing on enhancing HIV diagnostics throughout the country. This initiative was confirmed by Doctor Rachel Devi, the Head of Family Health, who shared insights with Fiji One news regarding the alarming statistics that show 552 new HIV cases reported from January to June this year.
These new cases span all divisions of Fiji, with the Central division accounting for 380 cases, the Western division with 151 cases, the Northern division with 19 cases, and 2 cases recorded in the Eastern division. This represents a 33% increase in new cases compared to the total documented in 2023.
Dr. Rachel Devi emphasized the importance of improving diagnostics nationwide, which includes strengthening screening, testing, and patient care enrollment. She pointed out that effective treatment and care for patients is crucial in addressing the rise in new cases.
Despite the increase being concerning, the Ministry expects the number of new cases to rise as it intensifies efforts to enhance national screening and testing procedures. The statistics reveal that 73% of the new cases occur in individuals under 39 years old. Specifically, 137 cases (24.8%) are within the 20 to 24 age bracket, 128 cases (23%) among those aged 25 to 29, and 50 cases (9%) in the 15 to 19 age group.