THERE are pros and cons to the issue of the distribution of sanitised syringes for safe drug use in order to control the spread of HIV & AIDS, and consultations would be needed before plans are made for such a distribution, says Health Minister Dr Atonio Lalabalavu.
“That will have to come to the surge strategy, it’s a consultative approach,” Dr Lalabalavu said.
“There are pros and cons to distributing syringes and needles, especially if you want to control the spread of HIV and also want to ensure that those who use drugs practise safe drug use.
“The surge strategy will encompass relevant stakeholders that will deal with combating the HIV status we have in Fiji.”
Dr Lalabalavu said it would involve consultations and discussions among relevant stakeholders, including ministerial, NGOs, religious organisations and traditional leaders.
“We see this as a cause for a whole of government approach plus the whole of society approach.”
Dr Lalabalavu said Fiji could expect new HIV cases this year, and statistics would double compared to the 2023 number of HIV cases, which was 400 plus.
“The last stats I gave was 400 plus and that was for 2023.
“We expect that to double again this year because we are increasing our point of care testing and as we increase the point of care testing, we expect to find new HIV cases.”
