Health Ministry Tackles HIV Outbreak with New Response Plans

The Ministry of Health has launched two key strategies to combat the rising number of HIV cases in Fiji.

From January to September last year, 1,093 new HIV cases were reported nationwide. Out of these, 223 cases were linked to injecting drug use (IDU), making it the primary mode of transmission during that period.

Minister for Health and Medical Services, Hon. Atonio Lalabalavu, announced the HIV Outbreak Response Plan and the HIV Surge Strategy 2024-2027 during a launch event yesterday.

The HIV Outbreak Response Plan is a 90-day initiative designed to implement immediate measures to control the outbreak.

Of the reported cases, 52% are already connected to care, with 202 cases linked to sexual transmission.

Another 129 cases are still being investigated to confirm their transmission routes.

These new plans highlight the urgency of addressing the HIV outbreak and the government’s commitment to reducing its spread.