The Ministry of Health, Samoa wishes to advise the general public on the current situation in Fiji
regarding the notable rise in the number of new HIV cases.
To date the Ministry of Health, Fiji has reported 415 new HIV cases for 2023 (i.e. 404 adults and 11
children), compared to just 245 cases in 2022.
Fiji currently has 1553 active cases of HIV and AIDS in the country, making it the second-highest
country in the Asia Pacific region, with rising new cases of HIV and AIDS.
Unsafe sexual practices and the use of injectable drugs have been attributed to the rise of HIV in Fiji.
No new locally acquired HIV cases have been detected in Samoa since 2020. There are currently 12
individuals living with HIV in Samoa, all of whom all are currently in monitored treatment and are in
good health.
Sexually transmitted infections (STI’s) however continue to rise in Samoa, which have been proven to
lead to outbreaks of HIV.
Considering the proximity of Fiji to Samoa, the Ministry of Health, Samoa wishes to advise the general
public in practicing preventative measures to minimize the possibility of HIV and STI transmission.
These preventative measures include:
 Voluntary testing for HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Testing is available at the
Communicable Disease Clinic at the Public Health Building, Moto’otua (Ph: 66700 or 21212
ext. 700);
 Practicing safe sex by using condoms;
 Being faithful to one partner;
 Abstaining from any sexual activity if you are unsure about your partner
What is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system and can progress to
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) if not given proper treatment. HIV is spread from the
body fluids of an infected person, including blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal fluids.
 HIV is primarily spread through having sex (vaginal or anal) without a condom with a person
who is infected with HIV and not receiving treatment to control the virus;
 HIV is also spread by sharing contaminated needles, syringes and other injecting equipment
and drug solutions when injecting drugs;
 HIV is NOT spread by kisses, hugs, sharing food, coughing, or sharing household and
community spaces with an infected person;

68100 /66600 enquiries@health.gov.ws Private Bag, Moto’otua, Apia, Samoa
 HIV can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, if proper treatment is
not received;
 There is no cure for HIV but ART (antiretroviral therapy) can treat patients so that they are not
able to spread the virus and are able to live long healthy lives.
What is the Samoa Ministry of Health’s response?
 The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation in Fiji as well as monitor HIV and STI
screening locally to respond to new HIV cases should they arise.
 Rapid testing services to test for syphilis and HIV are available for FREE at the Ministry of
Health – Communicable Disease Clinic at Moto’otua.
 Routine screening for HIV, syphilis and Hepatitis B is conducted for all women who receive
their antenatal (pregnancy) care visits.
o MOH encourages all pregnant women and their partners to attend their regular
antenatal care visits to access this screening.
 Free condoms are available at all health facilities and hotels.
 Other Non-Government Organizations (NGO’s) work collaboratively with the Ministry of
Health in addressing STI’s for e.g. the Samoa Family Health Association (SFHA) at Moto’otua –
opposite TTM Hospital with a branch in Savaii also offers HIV & STI testing services & antenatal
care services.