A TOTAL of 42.6 per cent of HIV cases in Fiji have been linked to injectable drug use, with health authorities warning that the sharing of needles continues to drive infections.
The issue was raised by Labasa Police Station Sergeant Loame Turagaluvu while addressing drug awareness week activities at Bethel Primary School.
Sgt Turagaluvu said the figures reflected a growing public health concern linked to drug use and unsafe practices.
“This shows that sharing needles increases the risk of HIV infection and continues to be a serious concern,” he said.
He said sexual transmission remained the highest mode of infection at 50.6 per cent, while injectable drug use accounted for 42.6 per cent.
Sgt Turagaluvu said about 1,325 males were affected by HIV, compared with 683 females and eight transgender persons.
He said iTaukei recorded the highest number of cases by ethnicity, followed by Fijians of Indian descent and other ethnic groups.
He said the data highlighted the wider impact of drug use and risky behaviour on public health.
“The risk is very high when needles are shared, and this is something we must all be aware of,” he said.
Sgt Turagaluvu said HIV linked to drug use was not only a health issue but also a social concern affecting families and communities.
“We must understand that this is not just about individuals, it affects families and the future of our young people,” he said.
He called for stronger awareness and collective action from families, schools and communities to reduce drug use and prevent the spread of HIV.
