HIV Voluntary Testing Not Popular
"We need to empower people through education and stigma reduction," she said.
Monday 09 June 2025 | 15:38
Updated 08 August 2025 | 15:37 FJT
As Fiji grapples with a concerning rise in HIV infections, debate has intensified over whether mandatory testing is the right path forward.
While public health authorities reaffirm a commitment to voluntary screening, civil society leaders are urging Government to consider culturally sensitive and targeted approaches instead of sweeping mandates.
Kalesi Volatabu, founder of the Volatabu Group Drug Free World Fiji, is among those voicing strong opposition to mandatory HIV testing.
Related stories
Ms Votatabu's stance is rooted in the complex social and cultural realities that shape health behaviours across the country.
"With 90 per cent of new HIV diagnoses among the iTaukei population, any approach must be respectful of community values and cultural norms," Ms Volatabu said.
"Mandatory testing risks undermining trust in health authorities and could push people further away from services."
Ms Volatabu argues that public health interventions in Fiji must be tailored - not just to high-risk groups like intravenous drug users (IDUs), who make up about 70 per cent of new cases - but also to the broader social context that determines how people access care.
She calls for a strategy built around community engagement, education, and support - not coercion.
"We need to empower people through education and stigma reduction," she said.
"Voluntary testing, when paired with robust awareness campaigns and harm reduction strategies, will do far more than mandatory policies ever could."
Ministry maintains stance
The Ministry of Health has echoed some of those concerns. Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu has confirmed that there are no plans to introduce compulsory testing in Fiji.
"Forcing people to get tested can cause fear and drive them away from care," said Dr. Lalabalavu.
"The goal is to increase testing, yes, but in a way that builds trust-not panic."
Instead, the ministry will continue focusing on regions and demographics where new cases are most prevalent particularly in the Central Division.
It also plans to improve access to care and support services for those tested positive.
"We're letting the AIDS Task Force guide our next steps.
"So far, mandatory testing hasn't been recommended," he added.
Feedback: sosiveta.korobiau@fijisun.com.fj
