'HIV infections in Fiji increased by 260%'

Between 2010 and 2022, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus) infections in Fiji increased by 260 per cent, UNAIDS estimates.

UNAIDS, a joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS said in 2022 alone there were 2000 people living with HIV in Fiji.

This statement comes after Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Atonio Lalabalavu released the latest HIV statistics in Parliament on Monday.

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services recorded 415 new HIV cases from January to December 2023, compared to 245 cases for the same period in 2022.

A statement by the UNAIDS yesterday revealed that in 2022, there were 2000 people living with HIV in Fiji. Fiji has the second fastest growing epidemic in the Asia Pacific region, after the Philippines.

UNAIDS calls for a comprehensive response that addresses the needs of all vulnerable people including children, young people, women of child-bearing age and the key populations.

“A precision approach is required so that people get the information and services they need, in a way they can safely and easily access. Communities made up of, and working for, the key and vulnerable populations, play a key role in tailoring prevention messages and services to specific groups,” Mr Murphy said.

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