Getting down to business
THE revelation that rising HIV and AIDS cases are putting pressure on healthcare resources is cause for concern. It’s a shocking state of affairs we Ɲnd ourselves in right now with this rise in HIV numbers.
No one wants to alarm anyone else, but the reality is that numbers are growing, and we seem to be having a problem trying to put a stop to that right now.
It shouldn’t really be a problem if we are all able to think rationally.
We know what’s happening around us.
We know the connection between the rise in hard drugs, its use, and the rise in HIV Ɲgures.
We know what to do to stem the rise, and bring things back to some semblance of order.
The question now is are we willing to put everything aside and do what must be done?
Permanent secretary for Health Dr Jemesa Tudravu is on the record saying the strains were felt on procurement systems because of the escalating demand for HIV diagnostics and medications.
The strain on procurement systems was because of increased demand for healthcare commodities.
There is a need, he said, for streamlined processes to ensure the timely distribution of medications and diagnostics across Fiji.
The sharp rise in new cases, he notes, also means an increase in utilisation and demand for diagnostics, medications, and commodities relating to HIV.
This rise in HIV cases has prompted calls for intensiƝed efforts in education, prevention, and treatment. That’s the way to go.
It is encouraging to note that local health authorities are collaborating with international partners to implement comprehensive strategies that include targeted outreach, community engagement, and improved healthcare delivery systems.
The fact that more than $5million has been given to the Ministry of Health by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), for instance, to aid efforts to reduce the growing number of HIV cases is welcome.
The assistance is expected to span over the period between 2024 and 2026.
There has been a worrying rise in HIV cases in Fiji, with 415 new cases reported in 2023, alongside 82 AIDSrelated deaths.
We have a major challenge on our hands, and the campaign to Ɲght this rise will demand a united front. We know that a lot of drug users are sharing needles. It’s no longer a secret!
We have written about bluetoothing, and chemsex! The latest craze provides a base for the spread of HIV. It is a concern because addicts are still sharing needles. They are placing their lives and the lives of others at risk.
Now they are putting the system under immense pressure.
Something is going to burst if we are not careful, and we are complacent. The thought is scary!
Our challenge is to be proactive.
This issue demands action. Let’s create more awareness. Let’s talk about the dangers. Let’s talk about support systems. Let’s talk about empowering people to make well informed decisions. Let’s talk about change, and let’s motivate people to make decisions that are good for them!