Fiji has overtaken Papua New Guinea in terms of new HIV cases and is now ranked second in the Asia-Pacific region, behind only the Philippines.
This was highlighted by Minister for Health Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu while responding to the latest UNAIDS report, which states that Fiji has the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the region.
Dr. Lalabalavu told fijivillage News that the figures reflect the seriousness of the issue the country is now facing.
He says Fiji is dealing with an escalated number of new HIV cases, with estimates suggesting over 7,000 cases—a situation he described as deeply worrying.
The Minister says this is why the government is committed to ensuring that the newly established HIV Unit within the Ministry of Health is well resourced to carry out its critical work.
On community engagement, Dr. Lalabalavu confirmed that more outreach efforts are planned to raise awareness and improve prevention.
