The rise in HIV cases, particularly among people who inject drugs is not only a health emergency but also a development, social, and moral challenge, says Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa.
Speaking at the Needle and Syringe Programs (NSPs) workshop in Suva last week, Mr Ravunawa described the growing number of infections as a national security concern that threatens Fiji’s future.
“Our vulnerable population — young people, women, people living with HIV, and those struggling with substance dependence —must not be left behind,” he said.
“Their wellbeing reflects our collective humanity and our nation’s maturity.”
He said the evidence is clear: Needle and Syringe Programs save lives.
“Global scientific data and decades of research show that NSPs work.
“They reduce infections, they are cost-effective, they protect families and communities, and they save lives.” Mr Ravunawa added that NSPs form a key pillar of Fiji’s National HIV Strategy, alongside peer education, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), condom distribution, and accessible HIV testing and treatment.
He warned that delaying implementation will have serious consequences.
“If we delay the program, we will see more infections. If we hold back, we will see more preventable deaths among Fijians. If we allow stigma to rule, we will lose more of our people.” Mr Ravunawa said the biggest obstacles are not technical but attitudinal.
“Stigma, discrimination, fear, silence and judgement — these are the real drivers of this outbreak.
“Stigma kills, discrimination isolates, judgement pushes people further away from care.”
He urged the country to choose compassion over prejudice.
“Fiji must choose humanity. Fiji must choose to protect, not punish, its most vulnerable.
“And Fiji must choose health as a fundamental human right for all.”
