The rising number of HIV cases in Fiji has prompted the Ministry of Health in Samoa to issue a public advisory.

Samoa has not recorded a locally transmitted case of HIV in the last four years. There are almost daily flights to and from Fiji.

According to reports from the Ministry of Health in Fiji, there has been a significant surge in new HIV cases, with 415 cases recorded in 2023 compared to 245 cases in the previous year. 

This increase has brought the total number of active cases in Fiji to 1553, positioning the nation as the second-highest in the Asia Pacific region for HIV and AIDS cases.

The rise in HIV cases in Fiji has been attributed to unsafe sexual practices and the use of injectable drugs. However, in contrast to Fiji's situation, Samoa has not reported any new locally acquired HIV cases since 2020. 

Acting Director General of Health, Atoa. Dr. Glenn Fatupaito stated the matter and confirmed that currently, there are 12 individuals living with HIV in Samoa, all of whom are under monitored treatment and in good health. 

Despite this, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise in Samoa, which can potentially lead to HIV outbreaks.

Given the proximity between Fiji and Samoa, the Ministry of Health in Samoa urges the general public to take preventive measures to minimize the risk of HIV and STI transmission. 

These measures include voluntary testing for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, available at the Communicable Disease Clinic at the Public Health Building in Moto’otua, practicing safe sex by using condoms, being faithful to one partner, and abstaining from sexual activity if unsure about a partner's status.

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, attacks the immune system and can progress to AIDS if left untreated. It is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse and sharing contaminated needles and syringes. 

However, HIV is not spread through casual contact such as kissing, sharing food, or coughing.

The Ministry of Health in Samoa continues to monitor the situation in Fiji and conducts routine HIV and STI screenings locally. 

Rapid testing services for syphilis and HIV are available for free at the Ministry of Health's Communicable Disease Clinic in Moto’otua. Additionally, pregnant women receive routine screening for HIV, syphilis, and Hepatitis B during antenatal care visits.

Free condoms are distributed at all health facilities and hotels, and non-governmental organizations such as the Samoa Family Health Association (SFHA) collaborate with the Ministry of Health to provide HIV and STI testing services, as well as antenatal care services.