Strategic, rapid expansion of non-discriminatory prevention, testing and treatment services required 

SUVA/BANGKOK, 12 March 2024—Available data suggest that the HIV epidemic in Fiji has been growing in recent years. As the country accelerates action to address the situation, the strategy should be evidence-driven, multisectoral and grounded in HIV response best practices. With political will and community leadership, Fiji can ensure that all people in need can safely access services to help them prevent HIV, learn their status and get life-saving treatment.  

In 2022 there were 2000 people living with HIV In Fiji. UNAIDS estimates that between 2010 and 2022, new infections increased by 260%. Fiji has the second fastest growing epidemic in the Asia Pacific region, after the Philippines. As Health Minister, the Hon. Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu noted yesterday in parliament, there was around a 70% spike in newly reported HIV cases from 2022 to 2023.

UNAIDS continues to work with national partners to understand the HIV epidemic trends more clearly and respond accordingly. Rapid action is needed to strengthen the national HIV surveillance system and have a more accurate picture of the epidemic’s dynamics. UNAIDS is supporting the Ministry of Health and Medical Services in finalizing their surge strategy and welcomes the added support from the Global Fund, Australia and United Nations partners. 

“Multiple factors are certainly at play,” said Eamonn Murphy, Regional Director of UNAIDS Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe Central Asia. “Sexual transmission remains the major challenge. Mother-to-child transmission and child sexual abuse are the risk factors for children. The extent to which injecting drug-use is driving the increase in new HIV infections is not yet clear. However, planned biological and behavioural studies scheduled for Fiji this year will improve our understanding of the epidemic’s patterns.” 

UNAIDS calls for a comprehensive response that addresses the needs of all vulnerable people including children, young people, women of child-bearing age and the key populations. (The key populations are groups that have a higher risk of contracting HIV including men who have sex with men, sex workers, people in prisons and other closed settings, people who use drugs and transgender people.)

“A precision approach is required so that people get the information and services they need, in a way they can safely and easily access. Communities made up of, and working for, the key and vulnerable populations, play a key role in tailoring prevention messages and services to specific groups,” Mr Murphy explained. “Part of the investment needed to respond to the growing HIV epidemic is increased funding for community-led service delivery, particularly on prevention.”

As of the end of 2022, only half (51%) of all people living with HIV in Fiji were aware of their status. Fiji’s coverage of HIV treatment is among the lowest in the region, with only 28% of all people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy. The next UNAIDS estimates based on 2023 HIV data will be released in July this year.

Increasing access to HIV testing and treatment services is a key strategy for reducing new infections and deaths. The Global AIDS Strategy calls for countries to ensure that by 2025 95% of all people living with HIV know their status, 95% of diagnosed people are on antiretroviral therapy, and 95% of people on treatment achieve a suppressed viral load. 

People who attain viral suppression through consistent treatment and monitoring are healthier and far less likely to transmit the virus. A person with an undetectable viral load cannot pass on the virus through sexual intercourse. This is known as Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U=U). 

“Treatment is available, and it works,” said Renata Ram, UNAIDS HIV Adviser in Fiji. “Not only does treatment keep people living with HIV healthy, but it also helps prevent transmission. That is why it is essential that we send out a message of support and compassion. People will only start and stay on treatment if they are respected, cared for and hopeful. Every Fijian has a part to play in spreading this message.”  

UNAIDS emphasizes the importance of the healthcare sector and communities working together to provide a range of testing options including community-based testing and early antenatal care tests for all pregnant women.

“Individuals are encouraged to take responsibility for their sexual health. Fiji has introduced Point of Care (PoC) testing at the HIV hubs which now only takes 15 minutes for a result. Getting tested has never been easier,” Ms. Ram said. “Only through shared responsibility at all levels can we turn this tide.” 

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Contact

UNAIDS Fiji | Renata Ram | ramr@unaids.org

UNAIDS Bangkok | Cedriann Martin | martinc@unaids.org