Eight children tragically lost their lives to HIV in the past year, according to advocacy group leader Temo Sasau. He shared these figures during an awareness event in Nakama Village, referencing data from the Health Ministry which reported a total of 126 HIV-related deaths throughout the year. Among the youngest victims was a four-month-old baby from Labasa, who died after the mother failed to seek treatment despite knowing her status as HIV-positive. Sasau lamented that such losses are preventable with access to medical care.
He highlighted that there was a concerning rise in new HIV cases in Fiji, with 2024 reporting 1,583 new diagnoses—a staggering 281 percent increase from the prior year. Alarmingly, 41 children were diagnosed in the previous year, with 32 of those cases resulting from mother-to-child transmission, a significant increase from just 11 cases in 2023.
Sasau urged pregnant women to get tested early, emphasizing that effective medical treatments can significantly mitigate the risk of transmission. Similar sentiments were echoed in a recent case where a pediatric consultant, Dr. Miriama Tukana, noted the importance of confronting the stigma surrounding HIV. She shared that proactive measures like early testing and treatment can help ensure healthier futures for children.
This growing trend of pediatric HIV cases has raised alarms among health officials, leading them to advocate for expanded awareness campaigns targeted at expectant mothers. The Ministry of Health is also pushing for increased testing availability and ongoing education to reduce stigma, highlighting the importance of dialogue in the community.
Overall, amidst these troubling statistics, there is hope that through increased community awareness, support, and medical advancements, many children can be protected from this disease and allowed to thrive.
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