The rising incidence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Fiji can be attributed to low condom usage during sexual intercourse, coupled with the risky practice of sharing unsterilized needles among injecting drug users. These issues are exacerbated by a lack of awareness regarding HIV prevention, testing, and treatment.
According to Fiji’s first Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in 2021, only 30 percent of women and 26 percent of men aged 15-24 are informed about HIV prevention methods.
UNAIDS Pacific Office country director Renata Ram highlighted the survey’s findings, which indicated that condom use is particularly low among individuals with multiple sexual partners. Among men and women aged 15-49, only 24 percent of men and 9 percent of women reported using a condom during their last sexual encounter.
Ms. Ram noted that knowledge of one’s HIV status is also lacking; only 7 percent of women and 4 percent of men within the same age group have undergone HIV testing in the past year and are aware of their results.
To address these challenges, UNAIDS is focusing on community involvement in the HIV response and has received donor funding from Australia. Under the Indo-Pacific Partnership, which prioritizes Fiji, a total of $2.6 million has been allocated to enhance the country’s HIV response over the next four years, in addition to existing financial support from Australia and grants from the Global Fund.
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