Fiji experiences a severe HIV outbreak driven by intravenous drug use and practices like ‘bluetoothing.’ The number of cases has surged, prompting a government declaration of an outbreak, with health authorities struggling to manage the crisis. Key initiatives include increased awareness and a 90-day plan to enhance treatment and prevention, though significant challenges persist due to societal stigma and inadequate health resources.
Fiji is facing a significant HIV outbreak attributed to intravenous drug use and emerging practices like “bluetoothing.” After an alarming increase in cases, the government declared an outbreak in January, with over 1,000 new cases reported last year—three times that of 2023 and a nine-fold increase since 2019. The United Nations has identified Fiji as having the second-fastest growing HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific, trailing only the Philippines, with many cases likely going undetected.
Mark Lal, a 23-year-old living with HIV, recounts how the virus has impacted his life, noting the loss of friends to the disease. Despite receiving medical treatment that manages his condition, he highlights the stigma that persists around HIV in Fiji, causing emotional isolation for those diagnosed. Current health strategies seem unable to keep pace with the rising number of infections exacerbated by drug addiction.
The Fijian Medical Association’s president, Alipate Vakamocea, expresses concerns about the inadequacy of the health system to address this crisis effectively. They estimate that half of the Fijians diagnosed with HIV are not receiving treatment. The rapid increase in cases correlates with a surge in drug addiction, particularly among the youth, as methamphetamine use becomes widespread.
Intravenous drug use is responsible for approximately 50 percent of new HIV cases in Fiji. The practice of “bluetoothing,” which involves sharing blood between users, significantly increases the risk of transmission. Current health initiatives, including a National Condom Campaign, aim to raise awareness about sexual health and tackle these issues, but critics argue that the Ministry of Health is playing catch-up and lacks comprehensive strategies to deal with the drug crisis and its impact on HIV transmission.
Efforts to improve the situation include a 90-day plan from Health Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu to enhance medication accessibility and testing. However, experts assert that Fiji is still lagging in preventive measures and treatment options for HIV. The community must confront the stigma surrounding HIV to improve testing rates and reduce transmission, especially among vulnerable populations.
Mark Lal shares his experience of social stigma after disclosing his status. He underscores the need for open discussions about sexual health and the importance of awareness campaigns. Despite improvements, health authorities warn that unless the root causes of the drug crisis and HIV transmission are addressed, case numbers will continue to escalate, posing a risk to both Fiji and neighboring Pacific nations. A proactive approach is vital to protect public health and prevent further outbreaks in the region.
In conclusion, Fiji’s escalating HIV outbreak highlights urgent public health challenges, primarily driven by intravenous drug use and societal stigma surrounding the virus. The government’s response includes increased awareness and preventative initiatives. However, with half of diagnosed individuals not treated, significant work remains to mitigate further infections. The experiences of individuals like Mark Lal emphasize the need for open discussions regarding HIV and drug use to transform attitudes and improve health outcomes in Fiji and beyond.
Original Source: www.abc.net.au
