HIV/AIDs Deaths Double in a Year

The rate of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) deaths in Fiji has doubled in a span of one year.

In 2023, Fiji recorded 415 new cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with 82 AIDs related deaths; a significant increase compared to 2022 with 245 new cases reported and 49 AIDs related deaths.

To help combat this, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Fiji Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) have officially signed a significant finance agreement to implement the Multi-country Western Pacific Integrated HIV/Tuberculosis (HIV/TB) Programme in Fiji.

The agreement, amounting to just over FJ$5.2 million will be executed over a three-year period from 2024 to 2026.

Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr Jemesa Tudravu said this collaboration marked a critical step in addressing the public health challenges posed by HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), Hepatitis B and Tuberculosis (TB) in Fiji.

“The sharp rise in new cases also means an increase in utilisation and demand for diagnostics, medications, and commodities relating to HIV,” Dr Tudravu said.

“This has given additional challenges to our procurement division at the Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services to meet the ever rising demand for HIV diagnostics, medications, and commodities,” he said.

UNDP Resident Representative for the Pacific Office in Fiji, Munkhtuya Altangerel said through UNDP’s continued support to the government and people of Fiji ensured shared commitment to reaching the most affected and hard-to-reach populations across the country.

“Initiatives such as these will elevate standards of care by providing quality services and timely providing quality medication and improving diagnostic and treatment for all; we thank the Government alongside the Global Fund for their support. This ensures that we leave no one behind,” Ms Altangerel said.

The project will ensure that essential HIV, STI, and TB drugs, medical supply and equipment are procured and delivered to the Ministry efficiently.

The finance agreement between UNDP and the Ministry is essential to the advancement of the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being.

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