Strengthening health systems to ensure timely access to treatment and care for individuals living with HIV is essential, as stigma and discrimination continue to pose significant challenges to accessing services. Renata Ram, UNAIDS Fiji HIV adviser, emphasized this point while addressing recent statistics from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS), which reported 552 new HIV cases in the first half of 2024.
Ms. Ram indicated that the rise in reported HIV cases could be linked to increased HIV testing and screening efforts nationwide, especially within key populations, as indicated by the MOHMS data. She stressed the importance of prioritizing sexual health education for young people and vulnerable groups to equip them with the knowledge and resources needed for protection.
“The growing willingness of individuals to get tested, driven by heightened awareness, is encouraging as it reflects a proactive approach to health,” Ms. Ram noted. She pointed out that increased testing is vital for identifying undiagnosed cases and ensuring that individuals receive the necessary care and treatment.
However, challenges remain, such as limited access to consistent prevention services, including condom distribution, harm reduction programs for drug users, and sexual health education, which may contribute to the uptick in HIV cases. Ms. Ram also highlighted that social and economic factors, particularly the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, have likely intensified vulnerabilities among marginalized communities.
To combat the increase in HIV cases, a comprehensive approach is essential, with the MOHMS set to launch the HIV Surge Strategy soon. Ms. Ram reiterated UNAIDS Fiji’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Health and other partners to enhance comprehensive HIV prevention strategies, which include improving access to condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and harm reduction services.