FAMILIES must confront the growing HIV challenge facing Fiji, with young people accounting for almost one-third of new diagnoses, Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa says.
Speaking at the opening of the Vodafone Rakiraki Carnival last Saturday, Mr Ravunawa said Fiji recorded 2016 new HIV diagnoses in 2025, compared with 1583 in 2024.
Of those diagnosed last year, 646 were aged between 20 and 24.
“These are not simply statistics,” Mr Ravunawa said.
“These are our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters, our friends, and our families.”
He urged families and communities to openly address HIV and encouraged people to get tested and know their status.
“HIV is preventable. HIV is treatable. Knowing your status can save your life.”
Mr Ravunawa urged Fijians to practise safer sex and use condoms correctly and consistently.
He said those at substantial risk could consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as an effective prevention option.
He also warned against sharing needles and syringes and called for greater efforts to tackle stigma and misinformation surrounding HIV.
“People living with HIV deserve dignity, confidentiality, compassion and access to treatment — not judgement and discrimination.”
He said HIV was not spread through hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or living alongside someone with HIV.
Mr Ravunawa said antiretroviral therapy was available and could save lives.
