Fiji’s recent declaration of an HIV outbreak has raised alarms across the Pacific. Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu reported 1,093 new cases between January and September 2024, a threefold increase from the previous year. He emphasized the need for collective action, stating, “We need the support of every Fijian.”
Eamonn Murphy, UNAIDS Regional Director for Asia Pacific, highlighted the broader implications: “Rising new infections in Fiji put the entire Pacific region at risk.” He stressed the importance of governmental prioritization, community leadership, and regional solidarity to combat the epidemic.
Preliminary data indicates that half of the newly diagnosed individuals contracted HIV through injecting drug use. Murphy pointed out that fear and stigma deter many from seeking care, noting, “Even when people know they are HIV-positive, they are fearful to receive care.” He called for efforts to strengthen health systems and address the unique needs of affected populations, including drug users.
The HIV Outbreak Response Plan advocates for comprehensive prevention strategies, such as harm reduction programs, condom distribution, and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Through the Australian Government’s Indo-Pacific HIV Partnership, UNAIDS is aiding Fiji in scaling up these initiatives.
Dirk Wagener, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Fiji, commended the government’s decisive leadership and affirmed UN support: “The Joint UN Team on HIV… stands ready to provide coordinated and sustained support to ensure the success of these strategies and to protect the most vulnerable.”
The HIV Surge Strategy aims for ambitious targets: 95% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 95% of diagnosed individuals on antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression. Achieving these goals is crucial for controlling the epidemic and safeguarding public health in Fiji and the wider Pacific region.