Strengthening health systems to ensure timely access to treatment and care for individuals living with HIV is essential, along with addressing the stigma and discrimination that act as significant barriers to accessing services. This was emphasized by UNAIDS Fiji HIV adviser Renata Ram while discussing recent statistics from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS), which reported 552 new HIV cases in the first half of 2024.
Ram noted that the rise in reported HIV cases could be linked to various factors, including a significant increase in HIV testing and screening initiatives across the nation, especially among key populations, as indicated by the MOHMS data. “It is crucial to prioritize sexual health education, particularly for youth and vulnerable groups, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources necessary to protect themselves,” Ms. Ram stated.
She further mentioned that more individuals are seeking testing due to heightened awareness, which is a positive sign of people taking charge of their health. “The rise in testing is vital for identifying undiagnosed cases and ensuring individuals receive necessary care and treatment,” she added.
Additionally, she pointed out that ongoing challenges, such as limited access to consistent prevention services, including condom distribution, harm reduction for drug users, and sexual health education, may also contribute to the increasing HIV numbers. Ram indicated that social and economic factors, particularly the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, have likely worsened vulnerabilities within marginalized communities.
To tackle the upsurge in HIV cases, Ram mentioned the need for a multifaceted approach, with the MOHMS set to introduce the HIV Surge Strategy soon. She reaffirmed UNAIDS Fiji’s commitment to assisting the Ministry of Health and other partners in enhancing comprehensive HIV prevention strategies, which includes improving access to condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and harm reduction services.