The Fiji government endorsed HIV Surge Strategy 2024-2027 is targeted at addressing intersecting issues by focusing on prevention, treatment, harm reduction, human rights, and social justice.
A particular emphasis will be on coordinated public health responses to both HIV/AIDs and drug mainly because of the increase prevalence of hard drugs such as meth within the Fijian community.
Cabinet had, in its meeting on 10 September 2024 passed the HIV Surges strategy to spearhead government efforts in tackling the rise in HIV/AIDS cases in the country based on new trends of drug use and sexual behavioral patterns.
A recent HIV Surge Meeting in Suva today highlighted the critical situation in Fiji regarding HIV/AIDS, with a significant increase in cases during 2024.
According to HIV/AIDS medical specialist, Dr. Rachel Devi, who briefed permanent secretaries at the UNAIDS headquarters at Kadavu House in Suva, the number of HIV/AIDS cases from January to June 2024 had grown to 552, marking a 573% rise compared to 2017.
“In Fiji, the Central Division has recorded the highest number (380), followed by the Western Division (151), Northern Division (19), and Eastern Division (2).
“No area in Fiji is exempted from HIV/AIDs", according to Dr Rachel.
“Notably, 97% of the cases are adults, with 381 men and 169 women affected, reflecting a gender disparity and 3% children."
Key factors contributing to this surge include an increase in unprotected sexual behaviour with multiple partners, and the alarming prevalence of injectable drug use, which accounts for 15% of the rise in cases.
The age group most impacted by this surge is the 20-39 and other concerning trends like "chemsex" and "bluetoothing" (the sharing of drug-filled syringes) are exacerbating the spread of the virus.
Dr. Rachel stressed the importance of raising awareness about these trends and the government's preventative measures.
One of the measures is making testing and treatment accessible in all areas with decentralising services, promoting education and awareness, strengthening data collections and analysis and expanding hard reduction programs.