The Ministry of Health is preparing for a potential rise in new HIV cases as it enhances its testing initiatives. With 552 new cases reported from January to June this year, Dr. Rachel Devi, the head of Family Health, acknowledged the pressure this could place on the sector’s resources and facilities if not adequately addressed. This figure reflects a 33 percent increase compared to the total cases recorded in 2023. This issue was covered on the front page of The Fiji Times for Tuesday, August 20.
In another significant story on the front page, an in-depth review of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus is crucial for Fiji to reconsider its participation in the agreement. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Cooperatives and Small Medium Enterprises, Manoa Kamikamica, stated that changes in both domestic and international economic contexts necessitate an evaluation of whether the agreement aligns with Fiji’s development goals and addresses the structural shifts required by the fragile local economy.
A concerning revelation has emerged from the education sector, where nearly 100 school students in Nadi have been reported to be engaging in sexual activities on the dark web. Alice Fong, the Ministry of Education’s Divisional Counsellor for the West, spoke about this alarming trend at the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha of Fiji Women’s Conference in Lautoka on Saturday. She highlighted the use of a social media app by students who share explicit content in exchange for items like phone recharge cards and hotel stays. Disturbingly, one of the youngest offenders was a primary school student.
Fong emphasized that this issue is not isolated to Nadi or Lautoka, urging parents to closely monitor their children’s activities. The situation raises critical questions about societal influences on youth behavior, the role of digital technology, and the implications of parental engagement. Additionally, factors such as peer pressure, family breakdown, and socioeconomic challenges could contribute to this behavior.
It is essential for families to reassess their priorities to protect young people from abuse, empower them to make positive life choices, and support their aspirations. Paying attention to children, understanding their needs, and providing love and time can be pivotal in addressing these issues.