The Tongan community in Fiji is calling on parents to prepare their children before they return to study in Fiji, following the nation’s declaration of an HIV outbreak.
Sina Kami, secretary for the Tongan community in Fiji, emphasized the importance of awareness. “The aim is to ensure students are well-informed and behave responsibly as they prepare to return to Fiji,” she told Tonga Broadcasting. She reassured parents that the outbreak does not pose a direct threat to students’ education.
Fiji is currently grappling with the second-fastest growing HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region, with 1,093 new cases reported between January and September 2024.
In response, the Tongan community in Fiji has initiated HIV awareness programs ahead of the 2025 academic year to educate students about prevention and safe practices.
The Tongan community, according to Kami, had sought collaboration with Tonga’s Ministry of Health last year to raise awareness among students from Tonga studying in Fiji.
Tonga recorded its first HIV case in 1987, with 19 cases reported as of 2014. Dr. Siale ‘Akau’ola, Tonga’s former Director of Health, has long advocated for education on safe sex and prevention to meet United Nations HIV targets.
“This is about safeguarding our students and ensuring their well-being,” Kami said.