Sixty four new HIV positive cases were recorded last year and approximately 31 per cent of the patients were between the ages of 20 and 29 years old.

This is according to the Minister of Health Dr Neil Sharma.

Dr Sharma said 77 per cent of the patients fell within the 20 to 39 year-old category.

He said since 1989, a total of 546 HIV positive cases were recorded in Fiji.

Dr Sharma said the Ministry has also seen that the increase in the number of tests and outreach programme carried out, has also contributed towards an increase in the detection of cases.

The 2011 HIV/AIDS Amendment Decree protects the affected and infected HIV persons in Fiji.

The HIV/AIDS Board, through the ministry, continues to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS and encourages members of the public to contact their nearest health facilities for more information or visit the HIV/STI clinics based in the three main divisions of Fiji.



Story By: Gwen Mc Goon