HIV cases in Fiji have nearly doubled in just three months, up from 552 reported cases between January and June 2024 to 1,093 by September of the same year—prompting Minister for Health Dr Antonio Lalabalavu to declare an HIV Outbreak in the country.
In making this declaration this afternoon in Suva, Dr Lalabalavu says the cases are dispersed across the country with the highest numbers recorded in the central division, and those in the 20-29 age category being most affected.
“Fiji has met the definition for an outbreak of HIV nationally, and this declaration reflects the reality that HIV is evolving at a very fast rate in our communities,” he said.
“The Central Division recorded 766 cases, 292 cases in the Western Division, 33 cases in the Northern Division, and the Eastern Division recorded 2 cases.
“The age group most affected is 20 to 29 years old, with 553 cases accounting for 51% of cases. Among the reported cases, 784 are males, and 990 or 90.6% are of iTaukei descent, followed by Fijians of Indian Descent: 8.2% (90 cases) and Other ethnicities 1.2% (13 cases)”
“Out of the new cases, only 52% (572 cases) have been successfully linked to care. Among those linked to care, 77% or 443 cases have known transmission routes.”
“Of these, 223 cases or 50.3% have reported Injecting Drug Use (IDU) as a primary mode of transmission, while 202 cases or 45.6% have reported Sexual Transmission as a primary mode of transmission. An additional 129 cases or 23% are currently under evaluation to determine their primary transmission routes.”
In response, the Fiji National HIV Surge Strategy was launched with precise measures listed in an attempt to curb the rising numbers.
“From a surge at the end of 2023, we are now experiencing an outbreak. The 90-Day Plan, which we have begun to execute, is designed to fast-track immediate, high-impact interventions as we battle with significant rise in HIV, which we believe is spurred by the current illicit drug epidemic in the country.”
