SRH and HIV Unit Fiji

08/10/2026

🎙️☕️ Another week, another important talanoa!

05/10/2026

SRH & HIV UNIT EXPANDS NATIONAL RESPONSE AS PARLIAMENT PASSES LANDMARK HIV LAW REFORM

The Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV Unit is preparing to roll out nationwide harm reduction services following Parliament’s approval of the HIV/AIDS Amendment Act 2026.

The reform inserts Section 46 into the HIV/AIDS Act, giving the Ministry of Health formal authority to establish harm reduction programs.

Crucially, it protects health workers, pharmacists, and outreach teams distributing sterile equipment from arrest, while also safeguarding the people using the services.

This removes a major barrier in Fiji’s health response. Previously, distributing sterile equipment was treated as aiding drug offences, leaving health workers vulnerable to arrest and blocking harm reduction.

Health Minister Dr Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu said that the law provides vital tools to control the outbreak.

“The increase in new HIV diagnoses means that we cannot rely on one intervention alone,” Dr Lalabalavu said. “We must use every appropriate public health measure available to prevent transmission and protect the health of our people.”

Dr Jason Mitchell, who chairs Fiji’s national HIV taskforce, said removing legal barriers to needle distribution is critical to curbing new infections among key populations, even if it is only one part of the broader response.

“This new provision gives the Ministry of Health and our partners authority to introduce harm reduction programs, protect workers and ensure sterile equipment can be legally made widely accessible.”

Dr Mitchell clarified that the amendment focuses strictly on public health protection and does not alter criminal drug laws.

“What the new provision does not do is make illicit drugs lawful, they remain illegal. The legislation is simply about making it easier for us to distribute sterile equipment legally without risk of arrest,” Dr Mitchell added. “This was the one component of our national response that was legally blocked. Fiji now has all the legal tools it needs to respond effectively.”

“I want to acknowledge the late Dr Jemesa Tudravu, Permanent Secretary for Health, who championed this work, as have our Ministers for Health. Fiji should be proud of the strength of political leadership that surrounds its HIV response, particularly to the Ministers who make up the Cabinet Sub-committee on the HIV Crisis.”

04/10/2026

"We cannot continue making assumptions."

Despite public awareness campaigns, major myths about HIV and STIs persist among young adults in Suva and fear of stigma is keeping many from seeking life-saving care.

In the latest September Issue of Inside FNU, researcher Shayal Sonika shares eye-opening findings on youth sexual health, clinic judgment, and why it's high time to break the silence.

Tap the link to read the full article now:https://www.fnu.ac.fj/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/InsideFNU-September-edition.pdf

02/10/2026

COMMUNITY DIALOGUE SERIES ON LIFE BEYOND DIAGNOSIS: SPILL THE TEA COMING THIS NOVEMBER

Spill The Tea Podcast is expanding into a new community dialogue series, with pre-production and filming now underway ahead of its launch in November.

Filming continued in Suva today, focusing on treatment, mental health support, and life beyond an HIV diagnosis.

Funded by the Rotary Club of Suva, the initiative brings together health experts, community advocates, and counselors to create an open, informed and stigma-free space for dialogue on health and wellbeing.

Risk Communications and Community Engagement Officer Illeyah Draunidalo said the series aims to strengthen public education on health and wellbeing through diverse perspectives.

Vinaka vakalevu to our exceptional panelists for joining hosts Zulfi Mohammad and Nur Zyna Neha in driving this crucial dialogue:

🌺 Margaret Seduadua (PLHIV Counsellor)

🌺 Dr. Dashika Balak (SRH & HIV Technical Lead)

🌺 Rusiate Naulunimagiti (PLHIV Counsellor)

01/10/2026

🇫🇯 A HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR FIJI: HOPE AND COMPASSION TRIUMPH IN THE BATTLE AGAINST HIV.

With hearts full of hope and a shared determination to protect our people, the Ministry of Health & Medical Services celebrates a monumental milestone.
Parliament officially passed the HIV/AIDS (Amendment) Bill 2026 this evening.
This is not just a legislative victory; it is a lifeline for our nation as we face our darkest hour in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Minister for Health & Medical Services, Hon. Dr Atonio Rabici Lalabalavu said our beloved Fiji is facing a battle.
"In 2025 alone, we recorded a heartbreaking 2,016 newly diagnosed cases—the highest annual number in our history and a staggering 27% increase from the previous year," Minister Lalabalavu said.
"Behind every single one of those numbers is a Fijian face, a family, and a story. We cannot, and we will not, look away," he added.
"The increase in new HIV diagnoses means that we cannot rely on one intervention alone. We must use every appropriate public health measure available to prevent transmission and protect the health of our people."
This crucial amendment amends the HIV/AIDS Act 2011 to lawfully introduce evidence-based harm reduction programmes.
Grounded deeply in human rights, confidentiality, and freedom from discrimination, it allows our frontline health heroes, pharmacies, and peer outreach workers to distribute sterile equipment, condoms, PrEP, and life-saving counselling safely and without fear.
To be clear: this does not legalise illicit drugs. It legalises compassion. It builds a protective bridge of healthcare to the most vulnerable among us.
We forge ahead, united. Every life is worth fighting for.

29/09/2026

27/09/2026

She reached out when the world was afraid to. 🤍

Stigma. Fear. Misinformation.

Lady Diana reminded the world that HIV doesn’t spread through a hug or a handshake. 🤍

Knowledge breaks fear. Compassion breaks stigma.

26/09/2026

COMMUNITY DIALOGUE SERIES ON HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE: SPILL THE TEA COMING THIS NOVEMBER

We are thrilled to announce that Spill The Tea Podcast is expanding into a new community dialogue series, with pre-production and filming now underway ahead of its launch in November.

Filming began in Suva this week, focusing on substance use and related harms, and mental health.

Funded by the Rotary Club of Suva, the initiative brings together health experts, law enforcement representatives, and community members to create an open, informed and stigma-free space for dialogue on issues affecting communities and young people.

Risk Communications and Community Engagement Officer Illeyah Draunidalo said the series aims to strengthen public education through different perspectives on health and wellbeing, with further episodes expected in the coming weeks.

Vinaka vakalevu to our exceptional panelists for joining hosts Benjamin Patel and Nur Zyna Neha in driving this crucial dialogue:

🌺 Asaeli Sinusetaki
(Interim CEO, Rainbow Pride Foundation Fiji)

🌺 Jemesa Lave
(Fiji Police ICT Coordinator / Counter Narcotics Bureau, Ministry of Policing – Policy Division)

🌺 Dr. Violet H. Erasito
(National Mental Health Advisor & Acting Medical Superintendent, St Giles Hospital)

🌺 Kalesi Volatabu
(Drug Free World Fiji)

🌺 Rakesh Chand
(Senior Superintendent of Police, Director Community Oriented Policing, Fiji Police Headquarters)

25/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1J9j5gKAew/?mibextid=wwXIfr

25/09/2026

🩺 Know the facts. Protect your future! 💙
STIs can affect anyone, and many STIs may have no symptoms. Knowing the signs, getting tested regularly, and seeking treatment early can help protect your health and your partner.
📍 Suva SRH Clinic — confidential, friendly and supportive services.
🕐 Mon–Thu: 8:00am–4:30pm
🕐 Friday: 8:00am–4:00pm
🍽️ Open during lunch: 1:00pm–2:00pm
💙 Get informed. Get tested. Take care of your sexual health.