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Popular South Pacific Destination Declares HIV Emergency as Infections Surge 12-Fold

Health officials said 2,016 new diagnoses were recorded in 2025 as Fiji expands testing and plans a needle-and-syringe programme.

  • Fiji declared a national HIV emergency this week after data showed one in 60 adults is living with the virus, accelerating action across government and society to address the rapidly spreading infection.
  • Health Minister Antonio Lalabalavu reported 2,016 new diagnoses in 2025, a 27 per cent increase marking a dramatic shift from five years ago when the infection rate was one in 167 adults.
  • Among cases with known transmission, over half involved sexual contact and more than 42 per cent involved injecting drug use; only 39 per cent of the estimated 9,100 Fijians living with HIV knew their status in 2025.
  • Chair of Fiji's National HIV Outbreak Response, Jason Mitchell, said the government's needle and syringe programme demonstrates "real bravery and real leadership" in expanding harm reduction measures to combat the crisis.
  • Officials reported 59 babies were born with HIV in 2025, with 18 dying before their first birthday; UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima welcomed the expanded measures though authorities anticipate five years for significant impact.
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Popular South Pacific destination declares HIV emergency as infections surge 12-fold

A popular South Pacific destination has declared a national HIV emergency after infections surged dramatically, with one in 60 adults now living with the virus.

·Florida, United States
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DV broke the news on Friday, September 18, 2026.
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