Approximately 89 percent of all HIV-positive tests recorded between January and June of this year are from the iTaukei community. Additionally, there is an increase in HIV diagnoses among men. This information was presented by Dr. Rachel Devi, head of family health at the Ministry of Health, during the annual convention of the Fiji Institute of Medical Laboratory Services (FIMLS) held in Sigatoka on Saturday. She emphasized that HIV does not discriminate based on race, religion, or age.
Dr. Devi noted that the high percentage of positive tests among iTaukei individuals might be due to several factors, including the widespread availability of awareness programs. She encouraged everyone to remain vigilant, stating, “HIV is no respecter of race, religion, age, etc.”