Government reviews school HIV policy as Central Division cases rise
Assistant Minister calls for stronger HIV education and support in schools
Tuesday 25 August 2026 | 15:00
Assistant Minister for Education Iliesa Vanawalu during the launch of the Empowering Students with HIV and Drug Use Information Reflective Workshop and Baseline Survey Report in Suva on August 25, 2026.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
The Central Division now has the highest concentration of HIV cases in Fiji, according to data cited by Assistant Minister for Education Iliesa Vanawalu.
Speaking during an interview at Holiday Inn in Suva today, Mr Vanawalu said the situation required stronger efforts to ensure students were educated about HIV and knew where to call for testing and support.
He said the Central Division had overtaken the Western Division, which had recorded the highest concentration over the previous three years.
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The figures highlighted the need to strengthen HIV education in schools and ensure teachers were properly trained to provide students with accurate information, he said.
The Government was also reviewing its national policy framework on HIV and AIDS within the education system.
Mr Vanawalu said schools needed clear procedures so teachers, students and parents understood their responsibilities and knew the appropriate referral pathways for support.
He said addressing HIV required the involvement of the Government, schools, parents, communities and other stakeholders.
Mr Vanawalu said the issue could be tackled if all stakeholders worked together and played their part.
