Fiji Declares HIV a National Crisis
Authorities said 2,016 people were diagnosed in 2025, and only 22% of those living with HIV were receiving antiretroviral treatment.
- On Tuesday, Health Minister Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu declared a national HIV emergency in Fiji, citing the 'seriousness of the epidemic' after new diagnoses climbed 27% last year.
- Rising intravenous drug use, exacerbated by Fiji's role as a transit hub for illicit smuggling routes, has driven the surge; injecting drugs account for over 42% of cases.
- One in 60 Fijian adults now lives with HIV, while the epidemic has reached newborns; last year, 59 babies acquired the virus from their mothers, with 18 dying before their first birthday.
- The government pledged a 'whole-of-government response' including a cabinet-led needle and syringe programme to reduce transmission risks, with Lalabalavu announcing rapid expansion of testing and prevention services.
- UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima called the surge 'one of the sharpest increases in new HIV infections globally,' describing it as a 'stark reminder to the world that AIDS is not over.
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110 Articles
Fiji has declared a national emergency over HIV after a sharp increase in cases. In 2025, 2,016 new cases were registered, about 16 times more than in 2019. More than half of the cases are linked to sexual transmission, while over 42% are linked to injecting drug use. The situation has also affected babies, as 59 children were born with HIV in 2025. The government is expanding free testing, treatment, prevention and harm reduction programs from …
Fiji declares national HIV emergency and extends testing program as ca
TOKYO (AP) — Fiji has declared an HIV national emergency after data showed one in 60 people in the South Pacific island nation is now estimated to have the bloodborne virus. The country says it is boosting
Fiji declares national HIV emergency and extends testing program as cases surge – WTOP News
TOKYO (AP) — Fiji has declared an HIV national emergency after data showed one in 60 people in the South Pacific island nation is now estimated to have the bloodborne virus. The country says it is boosting testing and treatment efforts to fight a surge in new infections, which have increased 12-fold over the last...
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