The i-Taukei community is dominating the HIV statistics in Fiji with a striking 89 percent, according to the latest data presented at the Global AIDS Monitoring and HIV Estimates Workshop.
This was revealed by World Health Organisation Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights Officer Joeli Colati at the Radisson Blu Resort in Nadi.
Colati says the i-Taukei are more likely to undergo testing in public healthcare facilities contributing to comprehensive national data.
He says Fijians of Indian Descent who comprise 9 percent of people living with HIV and other races making up 2 percent tend to seek testing through private doctors.
He says this choice often results in under reporting and gaps in the overall data.
He further says there is an urgent need for strict adherence to the HIV Act 2011 which mandates that all positive HIV results from both public and private facilities be reported to the National HIV/AIDS Programme Manager in a de-identified format.
Colati says this ensures accurate data collection, essential for effective public health interventions.
