A total of 34 new HIV cases have been recorded by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) bringing the cumulative total to 79.
Of these 34 new cases 25 are males and 9 are females.
This was announced by the Health Minister Honourable Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai on Monday at the WORLD AIDS day celebration.
In his remarks at the event, Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai, Health Minister stated, previously before 2024, the ministry has been detecting on average 1 to 2 cases per annum.
However, last year the ministry saw a surge in HIV cases and recorded 8 new cases.
“This year we have recorded 34 new cases bringing the cumulative total to 79. Of these 34 new cases 25 are males and 9 are females.
“Total number of positive clients now are 48. 3 of whom are not on treatment. 27 have succumbed to advanced HIV disease and its complications and 4 have returned to their countries of origin”.
Regionally, neighboring countries, Fiji and PNG have seen huge surges in HIV cases.
Fiji declared an HIV outbreak last year which is compounded by the IV amphetamine drug use. PNG recorded 11,00 cases last year which doubled their figures during the past years.
We are at high risk of importing more HIV cases owing to the frequent travels of Solomon Islanders to Fiji and PNG”, said Dr. Bosawai.
However, the Ministry of Health through the National HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis program and partners are committed to address the surge in HIV cases and is working towards updating and developing HIV policies, strategies and guidelines in our response to curb the HIV situation in the country.
“We need to strengthen our prevention, testing/screening and treatment strategies and decentralize services to the provinces.
“Our prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B strategy must be resilient and sustained. Health workforce training on HIV services must be tailored across the country.
“We need to ensure our HIV commodities and consumable are in stock and streamlined to the provinces. Strong collaboration and commitment between stakeholders, NGOs, CSOs, churches, communities and leaders is demanded for a successful HIV response.
“The Prime Minister, Hon Jeremiah Manele has, upon learning of the current HIV situation declared it a “national issue of concern”.
The Health Minister acknowledged the valued partnership it has with development partners like DFAT in funding and prioritizing the National HIV program response plans, WHO for their technical support and SIPPA as an implementing partner.
– MHMS
