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‘Spreading Like Wildfire’: Fiji Grapples with Soaring HIV Cases
UNAIDS says Fiji has about 5,000 known HIV cases as outreach clinics expand and a delayed needle-syringe program remains on hold.
- Fiji faces one of the world's fastest-growing HIV epidemics, with known cases rising to around 5,000 from 500 in 2014, according to Renata Ram, country director for Fiji and the Pacific at UNAIDS.
- Around 2019, transmission rates began increasing when Fiji became a transit hub for drugs from Latin America and Asia, creating a 'very high-risk' group of injecting drug users in the sex worker community.
- Medical Services Pacific operates mobile clinics to improve detection, yet many residents avoid testing due to social stigma and fear of discrimination, said 28-year-old Ecelina Lalabaluva, who also got tested.
- Mark Lal, diagnosed with HIV two years ago, provides peer support through his 'Living Positive Fiji' Facebook page, fielding questions from more than 100 people seeking guidance.
- Fiji remains '15 to 20 years behind' in its HIV efforts, according to Ram, as government delays in implementing a critical needle-syringe programme continue to hinder prevention efforts.
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51 Articles
51 Articles
The island state of Fiji is facing one of the world's fastest growing HIV epidemics, according to the UN program Unaids.
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources51
Leaning Left6Leaning Right12Center16Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Center
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
47% Center
L 18%
C 47%
R 35%
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