Opposition MP Jone Usamate has called for immediate action to address the alarming rise in HIV cases in Fiji, urging the government to create a taskforce that includes ministries, community organisations, and religious groups.
His comments follow recent Ministry of Health data showing a 33% increase in HIV cases this year, with 522 new cases reported—85 of which are linked to injectable drug use.
Usamate voiced serious concern about the increasing vulnerability of young people in Fiji, who are getting involved in drug use, which is contributing to the spread of HIV.
“The surge in HIV cases is a wake-up call” said Usamate. “We need a hand on approach to engage with them into productive activities so that they do not fall int the trap of hard drugs and engaging in casual, unprotected sexual encounters which can also lead to contracting HIV.”
Usamate also noted the growing trend of young Fijians moving from using traditional tobacco to marijuana and then to harder drugs.
He suggested that Fiji might consider Syringe Services Programs (SSPs), which provide clean needles to reduce HIV transmission among drug users. However, he acknowledged that this approach could be controversial, as it might be seen as encouraging drug use.
While SSPs could help, Usamate underscored the importance of taking more proactive steps. He urged the government to increase funding for awareness campaigns on TV, radio, and social media, so that families can better understand these issues and discuss them at home.
“Government must look at developing taskforces that cut across different Ministries, CSOs, and religious bodies to address this,” Usamate said. “We need an all-hands-on deck approach. We must bind together as a nation to battle this scourge.”
