New HIV infections increase by 260pc

BETWEEN 2010 and 2022, new infections of HIV in Fiji increased by 260 per cent.

This was part of the figures revealed by UNAIDS in a statement responding to a Parliament address by Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu this week.

According to UNAIDS, rapid action was needed to strengthen the national HIV surveillance system and have a more accurate picture of the epidemic’s dynamics.

UNAIDS Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe Central Asia regional director Eamonn Murphy said multiple factors were certainly at play.

“Sexual transmission remains the major challenge,” he said.

“Mother-to-child transmission and child sexual abuse are the risk factors for children. The extent to which injecting drug-use is driving the increase in new HIV infections is not yet clear.

“However, planned biological and behavioural studies scheduled for Fiji this year will improve our understanding of the epidemic’s patterns.

“A precision approach is required so that people get the information and services they need, in a way they can safely and easily access.

“Communities made up of, and working for, the key and vulnerable populations, play a key role in tailoring prevention messages and services to specific groups.”

UNAIDS HIV adviser in Fiji Renata Ram said treatment is available for HIV, and it worked.

“Not only does treatment keep people living with HIV healthy, but it also helps prevent transmission,” she said.

“That is why it is essential that we send out a message of support and compassion. People will only start and stay on treatment if they are respected, cared for and hopeful. Every Fijian has a part to play in spreading this message. Individuals are encouraged to take responsibility for their sexual health. Fiji has introduced Point of Care (PoC) testing at the HIV hubs which now only takes 15 minutes for a result.

“Getting tested has never been easier. Only through shared responsibility at all levels can we turn this tide.”