THE proposed needle and syringe program is not to encourage drug use but to reduce the spread of HIV and other blood-borne infections.
This was raised by the Assistant Health Minister Penioni Ravunawa as there had been claims made that Government would encourage drug use with the roll out of the program.
“Let me be very clear, the needle and syringe program does not promote drug use,” he said.
Mr Ravunawa said the program was being progressed as part of the Government’s response to Fiji’s rapidly escalating HIV epidemic.
“It is designed to reduce harm, prevent the sharing of contaminated injecting equipment, and reduce the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne infections.
He said most of the HIV cases were spread through the sharing of needles and syringes.
“We cannot ignore risky behaviour simply because it is uncomfortable to discuss.”
He said the program would need to form part of a wider response involving counselling, HIV testing, treatment, safe disposal, rehabilitation pathways, peer support and community education.
“Appropriate engagement with law-enforcement agencies would also be required.
“Our responsibility as Government is to protect life, prevent disease and reduce harm.”
He said the program was not a stand-alone solution and must be supported by other HIV prevention measures.
Fiji recorded 2016 new HIV cases in 2025, compared with 245 in 2022.
