Fiji has recorded 124 new cases of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) this year, says the Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete.

Of the total, Dr Waqainabete said 41 per cent were females living with HIV.

He made the comment during the launch of the Training of Trainers for Fiji on Family Planning and World AIDS Day Recognition at Holiday Inn Suva yesterday.

Dr Waqainabete said so far there were 1260 confirmed cases from January to October this year.

“While the barrier methods of family planning prevent HIV, they are important in preventing unintended pregnancies in women living with HIV and the further transmission of HIV until they are virally suppressed,” he said.

‘Practise safe sex’

He said one third of our population were youth, and he reminded people to take responsibility for their lives by practicing safe sex.

“No girl child should ever leave school or commit suicide just because she is pregnant. We have contraceptives available to assist you to enjoy your sexual life safely and reasonably while you complete high school and tertiary education.”

He said the ministry had recognised that Fijians cannot have good sexual health in the absence of good reproductive health, and vice versa.

Speaker of the Parliament and the Goodwill Ambassador for HIV and AIDs in the Pacific, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, said Fiji contributed 80 of domestic funding towards HIV programming.

“COVID-19 is a wakeup call for the world to strengthen our health systems and we must seize the opportunity the pandemic has provided. The theme for this year’s World Aids Day is ‘Global solidarity and shared responsibility’ and the responsibilities should be shared in the health system and the Government should ensure that health services are fully funded,” he said.

He also said integrating the provision of family planning services was an essential part of addressing these goals.

“Domestic violence helpline calls have increased to 527 calls in April this year compared to 87 in February and 187 in March.”

Edited by Caroline Ratucadra

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