Fiji is struggling with increasing HIV/AIDS and drug use due to a lack of skills and resources. Historical focus on other health issues like NCDs diverted attention from HIV management. With emerging drug use trends, there is an urgent need for the government to reinstate priority for HIV/AIDS initiatives.
In a recent statement, Renata Ram, the UNAIDS Pacific adviser, indicated that Fiji currently confronts a significant deficiency in skills to effectively manage HIV/AIDS and drug-related issues. This shortfall has contributed to increasing rates of HIV/AIDS within the nation. Historically, HIV/AIDS was overshadowed by other health challenges, such as non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
Ms. Ram highlighted that in 2012, HIV funding experienced a notable decline. At that time, Fiji, along with other Pacific Island nations, was believed to have a manageable HIV epidemic. However, this perception proved to be misleading, as the situation deteriorated due to various compounding factors. Following the NCD crisis declaration in 2012, health resources shifted towards managing NCDs, neglecting HIV/AIDS.
The emergence of other infectious outbreaks, including dengue and Zika, as well as numerous natural disasters, further diverted government priorities. Consequently, the importance of addressing HIV gradually waned within the Ministry of Health, especially given the perceived stability in managing the epidemic. In late 2018 and early 2019, signals indicated rising drug use, primarily associated with drug trafficking.
Initially, drug use appeared limited to individuals with significant financial means and sex workers, but it has since expanded into a broader societal issue. Despite this escalation, there is a prevailing perception that the responsible parties have not been neglecting their duties; rather, multifaceted challenges have hindered effective action against the trends in HIV/AIDS and drug use.
In summary, Fiji is facing an urgent need to enhance its capabilities to tackle the increases in HIV/AIDS and drug use. The historical context suggests that resource allocation decisions, influenced by emergent public health crises, have eroded the focus on HIV programs. To address these escalating issues, national priorities must be realigned to build a more robust health response for the future.
Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj
