129pc increase in new HIV infections HAVE YOUR SAY
FIJI has seen a 129 per cent increase in estimated new infections of HIV, says UNAIDS country director for Fiji Renata Ram.
“This makes Fiji one of 38 countries globally that has robust new estimated HIV infections,” she said at a World AIDS Day event on Thursday.
She said according to a report, people living with HIV who perceived high levels of stigma and discrimination, were more than twice as likely to delay enrolment in care until they were very ill.
“This is a trend that we are experiencing in Fiji.”
However, she said new drugs available now could prove to be a gamechanger for Fiji.
Ms Ram said medication that has the potential to lower HIV incidence had been introduced since the HIV epidemic started — one of which was preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) — a form of antiretroviral medication taken to prevent HIV infection, targeted towards key populations who were more at risk of HIV infection.
“Situating PrEP within a broader context of combination HIV prevention in many countries has been shown to generate high uptake, strong adherence and near elimination of the risk of HIV among young transgender women, gay men and other men who have sex with men.
“I am happy to say that Fiji is planning on introducing this new form of prevention, which is also part of the new ART and HIV treatment guidelines that will be launched today (Thursday).”
Ms Ram said new HIV infections in epidemics that were concentrated among key populations were not declining globally.
“Of particular concern for Asia Pacific region is the rising HIV epidemic among gay and other men who have sex with men in several countries and the slow decline in others.”
Ms Ram said access to a combination of HIV prevention and treatment services among key populations remained limited across most of the world mainly because of stigma and discrimination.
“Discrimination against marginalised people is hurting the HIV response globally, gay men and other men who have sex with men are 28 times more likely to be infected with HIV.
“People who inject drugs have 35 times the risk, sex workers 30 times the risk, and transgender women 14 times the risk.”
Ms Ram applauded the hardworking HIV program staff based at the Suva, Lautoka and Labasa HIV Hub centres for their passion in ensuring the best level of care for their clients and providing the additional emotional support and empathy that is needed for people living with HIV.
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