YOUNG people aged 15 to 40 years old account for the majority of new HIV infections in Fiji, making up 68 per cent of cases, as health authorities reported more than 2000 new infections last year.
HIV Vertical Transmission Elimination country lead Dr Priya Kaur said the trend showed the epidemic was heavily affecting the country’s young and economically active population.
“They are our young, productive population, they are probably breadwinners of their families,” she said.
She said many young people were not coming forward for testing because of fear and what others might think of them.
Dr Kaur said this was why routine screening was important, especially for sexually active people and those in the 15 to 40 age group.
She said fear continued to prevent early diagnosis.
“We have so much stigma and discrimination in our country. People will not turn up and tell you their risky behaviours.”
She said many young people also avoided seeking help even when services were freely available.
“We only go to the hospital when we are sick, we should go when we are still well so that we can know our wellness state.”
She urged routine testing for people aged 15 to 40, even without symptoms, to reduce late diagnosis and control further spread.
“I encourage everybody in this country who is sexually active to go and get a HIV test done because there is treatment available.”
