FIJI is seeing an increase in HIV diagnosis among young people, with those aged 10 to 19 accounting for a growing proportion of cases.
The Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa says HIV infections among children and teenagers aged 10 to 19 had increased by 45 per cent.
“This is of particular concern to us today because of the impact on young people,” he said.
Mr Ravunawa said the increase was a warning that young people needed to receive the right information about HIV and sexual health.
“We have also seen a 45 per cent increase in infections among children and teenagers aged 10 to 19 years.”
He said parents, families, schools and communities had an important role in protecting children.
“Young people needed to understand how HIV was spread and how they could protect themselves.
“Know the facts. Know your status. Protect your future.”
He urged young people not to feel ashamed about getting tested.
Fiji recorded 2016 new HIV diagnoses in 2025, compared to 245 in 2022.
