HIV fight ramps up with 92,000 condoms distributed across Suva

In a strong effort to curb the spread of HIV, Fiji’s Ministry of Health has distributed more than 92,000 male and female condoms, along with over 11,400 lubricants, through 167 dispensers installed across Suva.

Minister for Health Dr Ratu Antonio Lalabalavu confirmed these figures and said the initiative is part of an intensified national strategy aimed at improving access to prevention commodities and empowering communities with safer sex tools.

“This is a critical step in reducing new HIV infections, especially among young people and high-risk groups,” Dr Lalabalavu said.

The condom distribution is just one component of broader HIV prevention efforts, which include expanding point-of-care testing and preparing for the rollout of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Peer educators in 22 subdivisions have been trained to deliver HIV screening services directly in workplace and community settings, working closely with civil society organizations.

Expanding prevention and education

Dr Lalabalavu outlined additional efforts to strengthen Fiji’s national response.

The Life Skills Module, developed in partnership with UNICEF, is in its final review stage. Meanwhile, draft implementation guidelines for PrEP have been completed, with a technical working group led by UNAIDS ready to oversee its phased rollout.

In the coming months, the Ministry plans to:

• Launch a nationwide HIV prevention campaign featuring media outreach, roadshows, and a "safe festival" pilot program
• Expand condom distribution and HIV screening efforts to workplaces nationwide
• Finalize implementation and monitoring tools for the National Strategic Plan (NSP)
• Recruit a national campaign lead and provide targeted training on PrEP, testing, and referrals
• Operationalize a peer-led outreach model across all four divisions of Fiji

Treatment and care services strengthened

Dr Lalabalavu also highlighted progress in HIV treatment and care.

Twenty-two subdivisional care teams have been established, with seven currently delivering integrated HIV services. This reflects a shift toward decentralizing HIV care beyond the three main treatment clinics in the country.

A pilot clinic at Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital is testing a new model to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

If successful, the approach will be rolled out more widely to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.