126 HIV Deaths in 2024 Spark Call for Early Testing

Between January and December 2024, Fiji recorded 126 HIV-related deaths, with 60 of the deceased diagnosed within the same year, according to Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu.

The figures highlight the ongoing challenge of late diagnosis and the importance of early testing and treatment in the country's efforts to combat HIV/AIDS.

Dr Lalabalavu revealed this during a national roundtable discussion on HIV.

"The ministry strongly encourages individuals to get tested, know their status, and if it is positive, seek treatment, and if negative, maintain that negative status.

"I will reiterate what I have said before to all Fijians - HIV should not be a death sentence in Fiji!"

He stressed that Fiji's HIV crisis was the result of years of gradual deterioration and systemic neglect.

"The reality is that Fiji's HIV situation did not emerge overnight," Dr Lalabalavu said.

"It is a crisis that has developed gradually over many years. And while it may appear to some that the response has been slow, much work has been done to rebuild and strengthen the very systems that were left vulnerable for far too long," he said.

He acknowledged the growing challenges as the health system works to rebuild.

Feedback: inoke.rabonu@fijisun.com.fj