THE number of HIV cases recorded in the North may not reflect the true scale of infections, with stigma and fear of being identified potentially discouraging people from coming forward for testing.
This has raised concerns over the location of the North’s HIV testing and treatment hub, which is currently based within the Nasea Health Centre in Labasa.
Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa said having the service within a health facility could discourage some people from seeking testing because of the stigma surrounding HIV.
“It can indeed discourage some people from visiting the hub,” he said.
Mr Ravunawa said the ministry had received a proposal from the divisional medical officer for additional space at Nasea to accommodate the service.
“We have received the proposal from DMON about the need for space at Nasea.”
He said the proposal was currently awaiting consideration and approval from the Finance Ministry.
“We are also waiting for the Ministry of Civil Service for their approval of the proposed office space.”
He said the proposed office space in Labasa Town would provide an alternative location for HIV-related services and could offer greater privacy to people accessing testing and treatment.
Official Ministry of Health figures recorded 225 laboratory-confirmed positive HIV tests in the Northern Division in 2025, while 84 new cases were registered.
However, UNAIDS has reported that diagnoses may not capture everyone living with the virus.
