Strengthening health systems is essential to ensure timely treatment and care for individuals living with HIV. Additionally, addressing the stigma and discrimination that impede access to services is crucial.
Renata Ram, the UNAIDS HIV adviser for Fiji, made these remarks in response to recent statistics from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MOHMS), which reported 552 new HIV cases in the first half of 2024. She noted that the rise in HIV cases could be attributed to several factors, including increased efforts in HIV testing and screening, particularly among key populations.
“We must prioritize sexual health education, especially for young people and vulnerable communities, to equip them with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves,” Ms. Ram emphasized. She mentioned that heightened awareness has led more people to seek testing, which is encouraging as individuals take responsibility for their health.
The escalation in testing is crucial for identifying undiagnosed cases and ensuring that individuals receive the necessary care and treatment. However, ongoing challenges like limited access to consistent prevention services, including condom distribution and harm reduction for drug users, may also play a role in the increase of new cases.
She also pointed out that social and economic factors, particularly the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, have likely intensified vulnerabilities within marginalized communities.
To tackle the growing number of HIV cases, a comprehensive and multifaceted approach is needed, which the MOHMS plans to initiate with the upcoming HIV Surge Strategy. Ms. Ram reiterated UNAIDS Fiji’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health and other partners in enhancing comprehensive HIV prevention strategies, including expanding access to condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and harm reduction services.