Communities in Labasa identified as 'red flag areas' for HIV

HIV cases are now reaching village doorsteps in the Northern Division, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Aruka Fiji, claims.

Aruka Fiji said it’s concerned after noting that HIV has reached at least three villages in the Labasa district of Macuata.

Aruka Fiji training co-ordinator Inoke Drauna said reports from community volunteers had identified the villages as “red flag areas,” signalling the need for urgent awareness and prevention campaigns.

He added that the label was based on NGO observations, not official health statistics.

“We will be visiting the communities to conduct awareness and help people understand prevention methods,” Mr Drauna said. 
While he declined to name the villages, community members admitted that the spread of HIV was becoming harder to ignore.

A village elder, who requested anonymity, said teenagers had “gotten out of hand.” He attributed the rise in cases to drugs, unprotected sex, and early pregnancies.
“We try to advise our youths to stay away from bad company, but some don’t listen and end up contracting it,” he said. 
A church leader echoed the concern, warning that declining participation in religious life was leaving young people vulnerable.

“Some youths have developed a culture of heavy drinking and nightclubbing. HIV cases have spiked under these harmful behaviours, often tied to drugs,” he said.  
Unemployment, he said, was also driving risky choices among teenagers. Traditional leaders have also voiced concern.
Tui Labasa, Ratu Jone Qomate, urged parents and elders to take a more active role in monitoring teenagers.
“Parents must ensure children are engaged in productive study or work. During school holidays, they should not be left unsupervised with harmful digital content.” 
The situation reflects a broader national challenge. Fiji has recorded a sharp rise in HIV infections in recent years. United Nations AIDS Asia-Pacific regional director, Eamonn Murphy, warned that prevention must be the country’s top priority. 
Attempts to contact Divisional Medical Officer Northern Dr Tiko Saumalua for official figures in the North were unsuccessful.