The Embassy of Japan in Fiji has issued an advisory following the Fijian government’s declaration of a state of emergency due to the spread of HIV infections.
On September 16, the Fijian government declared a state of emergency in response to the growing HIV epidemic. Illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine are reportedly widespread in Fiji, and although the military and police have conducted joint drug investigations since May, they have yet to eradicate the problem.
The spread of infections is believed to be caused by people sharing syringes among friends for drug use. Used syringes (needles) may therefore be discarded in places people enter in their daily lives, including markets, parks, and grassy areas. The embassy is urging people to watch their step carefully when going out.
In the event of stepping on a needle, people are advised to thoroughly wash the wound under running water, gently apply pressure around it to draw out blood, disinfect it after washing if disinfectant is available, and seek medical attention at a hospital. When visiting a medical facility, they are asked to state that they have been pricked by a needle.
The embassy has also provided information on major hospitals in the cities of Suva, Nadi, Lautoka, and Labasa, as well as public sexually transmitted infection clinics where HIV antigen and antibody testing and treatment are available free of charge. No appointment is required, and rapid test results are available within 15 minutes.
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