Fiji Faces rising HIV Cases Linked to Drug use and Risky Sexual Practices
Suva, Fiji – A surge in HIV cases is prompting a national emergency declaration in Fiji, with health officials pointing to a perilous combination of factors including the sharing of needles among drug users, risky sexual practices known as “bluetoothing” and “chemsex,” and a growing youth epidemic.
over the past 15 years, Fiji has become a meaningful transit point for crystal methamphetamine, strategically positioned between major manufacturing regions in East Asia and the Americas, and key markets in Australia and New Zealand. The increased availability of meth has fueled a parallel rise in associated health crises, including a concerning spike in HIV infections.
Recent national HIV statistics reveal that injectable drug use is the most common known mode of transmission, accounting for 48% of all cases. Sexual transmission accounts for 47%, with mother-to-child transmission being the primary cause of pediatric infections.
health workers on the front lines are witnessing a disturbing trend: the age of new HIV diagnoses is decreasing. “we see more and more of these young people,” says Ms. Volatabu, a local health advocate.”They are getting younger and younger.”
“Bluetoothing,” a practice involving unprotected sex under the influence of drugs, and “chemsex” - sex facilitated by drug use – are contributing to the spread of the virus. While precise data on the prevalence of these practices is limited, anecdotal evidence from those working in the field suggests they are significant drivers of infection.
increased awareness campaigns led by individuals like Ms. Volatabu and Ms.Naitala are attempting to address the lack of education surrounding HIV prevention.Ms. Naitala notes that as awareness grows, she has observed a decline in the practice of “bluetoothing” within her community.
Despite increased testing and treatment access leading to more thorough data, officials fear the reported case numbers represent only a fraction of the true scale of the epidemic. The full extent of the crisis remains hidden, prompting ongoing concerns about the future health of the nation.
