A 14-YEAR-OLD boy living on the streets, diagnosed with HIV and hepatitis, is among the human faces of a crisis that has now seen UNAIDS recognise Fiji as having the world’s fastest-growing HIV epidemic.
National HIV Outbreak and Cluster Response chair Dr Jason Mitchell said the case reflects the harsh realities behind rising infection numbers, stressing the outbreak is not just about statistics but about vulnerable lives.
Speaking at the Rotary Club Black Tie fundraiser, Dr Mitchell said the boy was brought to a clinic by a police officer.
“He wasn’t in trouble, he was in crisis,” he said.
“His body was covered in fungal infections. Almost every vein had been damaged.
“He had been living on the street. He was diagnosed that day with HIV and Hepatitis C.”
Dr Mitchell said when the diagnosis and treatment plan were explained, the boy’s immediate concern revealed the depth of his situation.
“He was 14 years old. And his first thought, after receiving a life-changing diagnosis, was practical. Not a lament. Not a breakdown. A boy already practised at surviving, already knowing the world would not simply make room for his need.”
He said the case underscored the importance of facilities such as the Nakasi Clinic, not just as a health centre but as a safe and supportive space for those in need.
