Health Minstry to tackle AIDS
22-May-2009 10:16 AM

FIJIANS have the highest number of people suffering from AIDS compared to other races in Fiji.

According to statistics provided by the Ministry of Health (MOH), 82 per cent of people who suffer from AIDS are Fijians while Indians recorded only 12 per cent.
Of the total number of patients suffering from AIDS 55 per cent are males and 45 per cent are females.

Eighty-nine (89) per cent of those who suffer from AIDS contracted the disease through heterosexual means and fewer by mothers to child which is at a rate six per cent.

The highest number of AIDS are found in the age groups 20-29 at 47 per cent followed by age group, 30-39 at 30 per cent.

Moreover the ministry is funding HIV activities such as Fiji TB proposal which has been passed and is worth of $9 million. The ministry is also finalising the HIV proposal with is estimated to be at least $12 million.

The health department has new activities this year to protect people from AIDS and educate them about the disease.

Three Divisional HIV Project Assistants and 1 HIV Project Assistant based at the headquarters have been appointed to provide assistance to the National HIV Project Officer.

The formation of National Condoms Support Team Comprehensive Condoms Programming to increase uptake of condoms is also on process.

Other activities such as campaigning in the rural areas and educating the people, organising programmes on the effects of ADIS and NGO programmes are in process.


By SHEETAL SINGH