Seventeen new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were reported in the Northern region during the first half of the year, according to the Ministry of Health. Advocate and survivor Temo Sasau indicated that these numbers are likely to rise in the upcoming months.
“If we promote testing, by December we will see a prevalence similar to that of Viti Levu,” Sasau stated. He emphasized that injecting drug use is the leading method of HIV transmission in the North.
“With the rise in injecting drug use, it presents a situation that many weren’t prepared for,” he noted, highlighting that some individuals are still receiving late diagnoses of the virus. “They have no choice but to get tested.”
Sasau called on the government to actively engage with stakeholders and partners in addressing the issue. “There are individuals living with HIV who are open about their status. Their experiences can provide insights that even medical professionals may not possess,” he urged.
He also suggested that the recent increase in cases could be linked to greater awareness of testing options.