By Carmela Calling
Ratu Isikeli Tuiwailevu, assistant minister for Fiji’s Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, has called on the national government to increase efforts in raising awareness and prevention against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Speaking at the Bua Provincial Council meeting, Tuiwailevu said the disease is reaching a younger age bracket.
He emphasised that it is very alarming.
“This is a warning among traditional leaders. They must prioritise all villages across the province,” the official said, as cited by Fijian Broadcasting Corporation.
“Especially that youths are increasingly at risk, particularly due to drug use.”
“The number of HIV cases may continue to rise if no action is taken even at the community level,” he added.
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Fast-growing epidemic
HIV targets the body’s white blood cells, weakening the immune system.
This makes it easier to get sick with diseases like tuberculosis, infections and some cancers.
HIV can be prevented and treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Untreated HIV can progress to AIDS, often after many years.
Fiji is experiencing a concerning outbreak, with cases tripling in the past year and becoming the second fastest-growing epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region.
The rise is partly attributed to improved testing but also signifies a growing epidemic fuelled by factors like drug use, particularly methamphetamine, and risky sexual behaviour.
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