Fiji has reported over 1,078 new cases of HIV since 2019, with males accounting for a 390 percent increase in infections. This alarming trend was addressed by Dr. Basharat Munshi, the outgoing president of the Fiji Medical Association (FMA), during the association’s conference held at the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa over the weekend.
In 2019, there were 120 reported cases of HIV—59 male, 48 female, and 13 transgender. The figures have steadily increased each year: in 2020, there were 147 cases; in 2021, 151 cases; in 2022, 245 cases; and in 2023, 415 cases, with males consistently representing the majority.
Dr. Munshi provided a breakdown of age demographics among those infected, indicating that 24% are between 20 and 24 years old, 20% are aged 25 to 29, and 26% fall within the 30 to 39-year range. Additionally, 8% are adolescents, and 2% of the new cases involve children under the age of 10.
Contributing factors to this rise in cases include practices such as “blue-toothing” and “chem-sex.” Dr. Munshi emphasized the need for comprehensive education on sexual health, improved access to health clinics, and a focus on moral upbringing to combat the underlying issues fueling this epidemic.
The FMA also conducted its Annual General Meeting during the conference, resulting in the election of new officers for the 2024-2026 term. Dr. Alipate Vakamocea has been appointed as president, with Dr. Ronald Kumar as vice president, Dr. Miriama Tukana as secretary, and Dr. Ahmed Shakeel Shariff as treasurer. The executive council now includes Dr. William May, Dr. Basharat Munshi, Dr. Sailosi Ratumaitavuki, Dr. Myrielle Allen, Dr. Pritisheel Kirti, and Dr. Sudiksha Singh.