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Fiji declares HIV a national crisis as diagnoses surge
Officials will expand testing, treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis as more than 2,000 new cases were recorded in 2025, the government said.
- 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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51 Articles
51 Articles
New diagnoses have increased rapidly in recent years, including for the spread of intravenous drug use
·Italy
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The IndependentReposted by 
The Independent (US)
The Independent (US)Fiji declares national crisis as HIV infects one in every 60 adults
Pacific nation reported 27 per cent surge in new diagnoses last year
·London, United Kingdom
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Fiji has declared a national public health emergency due to the HIV outbreak, following a rapid increase in infections linked to drug use and unsafe sexual practices.
Fiji government estimates one in 60 adults is living with HIV. It will expand access to free testing
·Copenhagen, Denmark
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BT+2 Reposted by 2 other sources
The Fijian government estimates that one in 60 adults is living with HIV. It will expand access to free testing.
·Borås, Sweden
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Total News Sources51
Leaning Left9Leaning Right7Center14Last UpdatedBias Distribution47% Center
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources are Center
47% Center
L 30%
C 47%
R 23%
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