Men leading HIV cases in Fiji

Men now account for more than 70 percent of all HIV cases in Fiji, a stark trend health officials warn is spiralling into a national crisis that the country can no longer ignore.

Senior Medical Officer-in-Charge of the Sexual Reproductive Health Hub, Dr Dashika Balak, revealed the figures during the National Needle and Syringe Programme training in Suva this morning.

According to the latest statistics, 1,111 men have been diagnosed with HIV — 70.2 percent of all cases. Women account for 465 cases (29.4 percent), while seven cases (0.4 percent) have been recorded among transgender people.

A divisional breakdown shows the Central Division recorded the highest number with 1,100 cases, followed by the Western Division with 427, the Northern Division with 50, and the Eastern Division with 6.

Dr Balak said the data confirms that men are at the highest risk, driven by unsafe sex, delayed testing, and the rising use of injected drugs and shared needles.

In response, Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa said the numbers must serve as a national wake-up call.

“These statistics are real and deeply worrying. Men are driving the spread of HIV in Fiji, and we cannot ignore it anymore,” he said.

He warned that the rise in injecting drug use, including needle sharing and “bluetoothing,” where people transfer blood to get high, is putting young people at extreme risk.

“Young people need to understand that one dirty needle can change their whole life. Getting high today can mean getting HIV tomorrow,” he said.

Mr Ravunawa urged communities, churches, youth groups, and families to speak openly about HIV instead of avoiding the topic.

“We must talk about HIV in our homes, villages, settlements, and churches. Silence is helping the virus spread, not stopping it.”

He said combating HIV requires nationwide unity.

“Government alone cannot stop this. Every Fijian has a role. Learn about the disease. Know how it spreads. Speak up when something is wrong.”

The Assistant Minister also urged young people to protect themselves and one another.

“Think about your future. Think about your family. This crisis affects our whole nation, and we need everyone to help stop the rise of HIV in Fiji.”