ONE baby is being diagnosed with HIV every week in Fiji, with at least one death each month.
This was revealed by National HIV Outbreak and Cluster Response chair Dr Jason Mitchell, who shared the sobering reality while recounting the case of a one-month-old baby diagnosed with severe malnutrition, tuberculosis and HIV.
Speaking at the Rotary Club Black Tie fundraiser, Dr Mitchell said the child’s mother had recently been released from prison, while the father was incarcerated, and the relatives caring for the baby were unaware of their own HIV status as they had never been tested.
“She was ventilated. When the time came to make end-of-life decisions, social welfare was called,” Dr Mitchell said.
“Because no family could be reached. She died just after her first birthday.”
Dr Mitchell said the case highlighted systemic gaps within the response framework, including the absence of harm reduction programs, limited reach of antenatal HIV testing, lack of family support systems, and delays in emergency response.
“While the situation remains serious, it also presents an opportunity for targeted interventions to help curb the spread and impact of HIV in Fiji.”
