The rise in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases in Fiji has been significantly associated with low condom usage during sexual activity. The issue is further compounded by the sharing of unclean needles among injecting drug users.
According to findings from Fiji’s first Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in 2021, awareness of HIV prevention strategies is inadequate. The survey revealed that only 30 percent of women and 26 percent of men aged 15-24 had sufficient knowledge regarding HIV prevention.
UNAIDS Pacific Office country director Renata Ram highlighted that the survey indicated a concerningly low rate of condom use among individuals with multiple sexual partners; only 24 percent of men and 9 percent of women aged 15-49 reported using a condom during their last sexual encounter. Furthermore, she noted poor health-seeking behaviors and low levels of awareness about personal HIV status among Fijians, with only 7 percent of women and 4 percent of men aged 15-49 having undergone HIV testing in the past year and being aware of their results.
UNAIDS plays a crucial role in advocating for the HIV response in Fiji, focusing on community engagement as a core element. Ms. Ram announced that the organization has secured donor funding from Australia under the Indo-Pacific Partnership, which has prioritized Fiji in its efforts. The partnership will allocate $2.6 million over the next four years to enhance the country’s response to HIV, supplementing existing financial resources provided by Australia and grants from the Global Fund.
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