A 19-year-old homeless teenager in Fiji has recently been confirmed as one of the new HIV cases in the country. He was referred for counseling to Empower Pacific by a doctor at a divisional hospital. This young man is among several new cases that have been directed to the nonprofit organization, which specializes in providing counseling and social support services.
Many of the new cases referred for counseling are youths living on the streets, with the virus being mainly contracted through the practice of sharing needles for injecting crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as “ice.” This referral is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Health & Medical Services and Empower Pacific.
According to statistics released on August 16, there were 552 new HIV cases reported from January to June of this year. The Central Division saw the highest number, with 380 cases, followed by Western with 151, Northern with 19, and two in the Eastern region. While sexual transmission remains the leading cause of HIV spread in Fiji, 85 of the cases this year were attributed to injectable drug use, accounting for 15 percent of total cases.
Of the new HIV cases, there are 50 persons aged between 15 and 19, 137 between 25 and 29, and 128 individuals aged 30 to 39. The Ministry noted that the majority of new cases are among those under 39, although some cases occur in individuals over the age of 40.
While some may seek medical attention only after experiencing noticeable symptoms related to HIV, they often hesitate to undergo blood testing. Keli Koroi, program manager for Empower Pacific’s Fiji Facility Support Program, explained that many individuals are referred for counseling either before or after testing, with the goal of gaining their consent for blood tests.
In 2022, Empower Pacific received 37 referrals from doctors for confirmed HIV cases. This number increased in 2023 with 27 referrals up to this point. From January to July, the count from CWM Hospital alone rose to 47 cases.
Although the overall number of referrals may seem low, the impact on the individual and their families can be significant. Most of the new referrals are young men who originally believed they contracted HIV through sexual intercourse, not realizing that their drug practices were the actual source.
Koroi emphasized that many of those referred only seek hospital care when they experience severe symptoms. The youngest reported case he has assisted this year involved a 19-year-old male living on the streets after contracting HIV through meth use. His lack of a permanent address or contact information complicates follow-up efforts.
From January to June 2023, there were 13 recorded deaths from HIV-related illnesses, a drop from 82 the previous year. The Ministry of Health has urged individuals to seek HIV testing and understand their results. Those testing positive should pursue early treatment, while those negative are encouraged to maintain safe practices to prevent any possible transmission.
Individuals engaging in drug use who require professional assistance can contact Empower Pacific’s 24/7 toll-free counseling helpline at 5626, which is supported by various organizations, including the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.