THE recent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) outbreak in Fiji has raised significant concerns amongst Solomon Islands citizens at home.
Fiji’s Minister of Health and Medical Services, Dr Ratu Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu recently declared an official outbreak after recording 1,093 new HIV cases from January to September 2024.
“I have repeatedly expressed my concerns about the increasing number of new HIV cases since I entered Parliament. Today, as the Minister for Health and Medical Services, I am officially declaring an HIV outbreak in Fiji.
“From January to September 2024, Fiji recorded 1,093 new HIV cases. With this increase, Fiji has met the criteria for an HIV outbreak, and this declaration reflects the alarming reality that HIV is spreading faster than our current health services can handle.”
As Fiji is a neighbouring country to the Solomon Islands, many Solomon Islanders have taken to social media to express their concern about the potential increase of HIV cases in Solomon Islands due to the ease of travel between Solomon Islands and Fiji.
A concerned citizen, Jessy Mae emphasised that the HIV outbreak in Fiji should prompt the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to implement measures to prevent practices that could lead to the spread of the virus.
“There are a significant number of Solomon Islanders living and studying in Fiji, and if they are not careful, they could be at risk,” Mae said.
According to the report, 50.3 per-cent of new cases in Fiji are linked to drug injections.
Mae warned that the spread of HIV through drug-related practices could pose an even greater risk to the youth population in Solomon Islands.
He urged the MHMS, police and other relevant authorities, to monitor these new trends in the country.
“It is crucial for authorities to keep a close eye on drug trafficking and usage in the country.
This is a necessary step to protect our youth and prevent the spread of this dangerous virus,” Mae added.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
