The rising rates of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Fiji can largely be attributed to low condom usage during sexual activity. Additionally, the practice of sharing non-sterile needles among injecting drug users poses a further risk.
According to findings from Fiji’s first Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in 2021, awareness of HIV prevention is alarmingly low, with only 30 percent of women aged 15-24 and 26 percent of men in the same age group knowledgeable about HIV-related information.
UNAIDS Pacific Office country director Renata Ram highlighted the concerning survey results, which indicated minimal condom use among individuals with multiple sexual partners. Specifically, only 24 percent of men and 9 percent of women aged 15-49 reported using a condom during their most recent sexual encounter. Ram also pointed out that health-seeking behaviors regarding HIV testing are lacking, with only 7 percent of women and 4 percent of men in the same age group having been tested for HIV and knowing their results within the past year.
To address these issues, UNAIDS has received donor funding from Australia under the Indo-Pacific Partnership, designating Fiji as a priority area for assistance. Ram announced that $2.6 million has been allocated over the next four years to bolster the HIV response in Fiji, alongside ongoing support from the Global Fund and other Australian funding aimed at managing the country’s HIV initiatives.
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