SUVA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Health experts in Fiji are sounding an alarm over a sharp rise in co-infections of Tuberculosis (TB) and HIV, warning that the trend is emerging as a serious and escalating public health concern.
New figures released in conjunction with World Tuberculosis Day highlight a worrying surge in co-infection rates.
Individuals living with HIV are significantly more vulnerable to developing active tuberculosis due to weakened immune systems, making the dual burden particularly dangerous if not detected and treated early, local media reported on Thursday.
Assistant Minister for Health and Medical Services Penioni Ravunawa said the latest national data reveals a steep upward trajectory in TB-HIV co-infections, from 7 percent in 2022 to 13 percent in 2023, 28 percent in 2024, and 41 percent last year.
Alarmingly, this increase now includes cases among children, signaling broader community transmission risks.
Health authorities stressed that the overlap between TB and HIV is not unique to Fiji but reflects a wider global health challenge.
According to the World Health Organization, tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of death among people living with HIV worldwide.
Without proper treatment, co-infected patients face significantly higher mortality rates.
In Fiji, the growing co-infection trend is placing additional pressure on the healthcare system, particularly in areas of early diagnosis, treatment coordination and long-term patient management.
Experts say fragmented services, where TB and HIV are treated separately, can delay care and worsen outcomes.
Ravunawa called for a more integrated, patient-centered approach that brings TB and HIV services together, including joint screening, coordinated treatment plans and improved follow-up care to ensure patients receive comprehensive support. ■
