selective focus of negative and positive hiv blood sample test on red background Photo: Copyright: lightfieldstudios
The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has delivered 3000 antiretroviral drugs to Fiji to support the HIV response.
The UNDP said Fiji is experiencing a concerning rise in new HIV cases.
Last year, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services recorded 552 new cases of HIV from January to June.
As of mid-December, 19 under-fives were diagnosed with HIV in Fiji.
FBC reported Consultant Pediatrician at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Dr. Priya Kaur, saying the children got infected through mother-to-child transmission.
"We probably failed to test [the mother] or even if we tested her, something happened and she didn't take her antiretroviral during pregnancy; and that's how the baby got it.
"It's a long journey for a child to be infected."
Also in December, the Fiji Medical Association called on the government to declare an HIV outbreak.
Fiji's Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, said the partnership with UNDP ensures that they maintain continuity of care and strengthen capacity to manage the current surge.
In July 2024, the Ministry for Health and Medical Services and UNDP signed a financing agreement under the Multi-country Western Pacific Programme in Fiji - through the Fiji Health Procurement Project.
UNDP said the project will ensure that essential HIV, STI, and TB drugs, medical supply and equipment are procured and delivered to the Ministry efficiently.
Dr Lalabalavu urged continued testing and sticking to treatment to mitigate further spread of the virus.
UNDP resident representative for the Pacific office in Fiji, Munkhtuya Altangerel, said UNDP is working alongside the Ministry of Health and Medical Services to ensure critical HIV services remain uninterrupted.
"Access to life-saving treatment is essential for safeguarding public health and supporting the resilience of affected communities."
