In response to the recent and severe surge in HIV infections across the country, the Fiji National University (FNU) has stepped up to the challenge as a key partner in the national effort to contain and control the outbreak. With HIV infections reaching record heights, 1,093 new infections only reported as of January through September 2024, Fiji has technically crossed the outbreak threshold, being more than two standard deviations above the national average of 215 cases. The alarming spike in cases has initiated an immediate response from the Government and educational institutions, spearheaded by FNU.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MoHMS) called for a joint multi-sectoral response. In support of this initiative, the FNU established a University Technical Action Group (U-TAG). The group comprises faculty experts, clinicians, laboratory scientists, nurses, researchers, volunteer staff, and student representatives, with Dr Torika Tamani serving as Chair, and Atlesh Nand as Secretary of the lead team.
U-TAG is actively organising and implementing HIV screening campaigns across all FNU campuses nationwide. These activities extend beyond testing and include health education, data collection, referral systems, and the integration of prevention tools such as condom dispensers, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and needle exchange programmes.
FNU’s participation in the national HIV response is an acknowledgment of the power of academic institutions to respond at times of public health crisis. The university is located at a unique site of integrating technical ability and logistical capability to be capable of making important contributions to national planning. U-TAG also is working closely with government stakeholders to ensure that every phase of the response-from prevention and diagnosis to treatment and follow-up-is based on sound data.
FNU has, in fact, taken the lead in implementing campus-based testing under the Triple Elimination approach targeting HIV, Hepatitis, and Syphilis. In addition, student and staff volunteers have been mobilised to raise awareness about sexually transmitted infections, substance abuse, and mental health issues as part of a wider community outreach programme.
The recent national figures highlight the gravity of the situation. New HIV infections have risen fivefold in Fiji since 2019, with the highest number of cases reported in the Central Division. Key populations-men who have sex with men (MSM), HIV sex workers, and individuals who inject drugs (PWID)-are showing high levels of transmission. Though the numbers have been increasing, ART (antiretroviral therapy) coverage is low, with only approximately 35% of the estimated 6,100 individuals living with HIV on treatment. Almost half of those diagnosed have been lost to follow-up, a worrying trend that highlights the need for continuous, combined outreach.
Alongside its efforts in HIV prevention, FNU is also planning a survey on drug abuse among students. The survey is being coordinated by Professor Plange with a team which, currently, includes representatives from the Office of Strategic Planning and Development, as well as FNUSA.
The primary objective of the survey is to produce information that can be used to inform policy design.
A detailed questionnaire, specifically designed for this purpose, will serve as the main instrument for data collection. This will be supplemented by in-depth conversations with student groups. Given the close relation between HIV and illicit drug use, the questionnaire will also explore this connection, and the findings will be shared with the HIV team.
In conclusion, FNU’s rapid and coordinated response to the HIV epidemic illustrates the university’s greater commitment to national service, public health, and evidence-based practice. By taking leadership in screening, education, and research, FNU is mitigating the crisis. Its active role creates a new model for how institutions of higher education can address health crises-not as institutions of education but as engaged partners in public health leadership.
For more information visit the FNU website at http://www.fnu.ac.fj
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