FIJI’S health authorities are raising concern over injecting drug users sharing needles, with some reportedly using the same needle for almost 90 days.
Ministry of Health principal medical officer Dr Sailosi Soqo warned that without stronger intervention, the number of HIV cases could reach 25,000 within the next three to four years.
“If we don’t do anything in the next three to four years, we’ll be reaching 25,000 cases,” he said.
Speaking at the 43rd Fiji Head Teachers Association annual conference in Nadi, Dr Soqo said Government was strengthening its response through greater coordination, new prevention measures and increased resources.
He said a specialised unit had been established under Dr Jason Mitchell, with different leads overseeing key areas.
The national counter-narcotic strategy involves multiple agencies, with the Ministry of Education leading demand reduction, health responsible for harm reduction and police handling supply reduction.
Dr Soqo said Government was recruiting more personnel and receiving donor funding to strengthen programs.
He highlighted the Needle and Syringe Program, designed to reduce risks from needle sharing, as well as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which helps prevent HIV infection.
However, he said uptake remained low.
“We have the medication. Our strategies are there, but people are not coming forward.”
