Fiji’s HIV emergency follows sharp rise in infections and drug use

Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after a sharp rise in infections, with Health and Medical Services Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu saying the country’s estimated HIV prevalence has reached one in 60 adults. Fiji recorded 2,060 new HIV diagnoses in 2025, according to the minister.

The declaration followed a cabinet decision on 9 September. Lalabalavu said an outbreak-level response was no longer sufficient and that Fiji needed an urgent, coordinated national response.

Why infections are rising

UNAIDS said new HIV infections in Fiji increased 12-fold between 2010 and 2025, one of the sharpest rises globally. The country’s position as a drug-running hub and growing local methamphetamine use have coincided with the increase.

Unsafe injecting and limited access to clean needles have worsened the risk. Among cases with a known mode of transmission, more than half were linked to sexual transmission and over 42% to injecting drug use, according to UNAIDS.

Key figures

• Estimated people living with HIV in 2025: 9,100
• Estimated share aware of their HIV status: 39%
• Estimated share accessing antiretroviral treatment: 22%
• Estimated HIV prevalence among pregnant women: one in 50

What the emergency response includes

The government’s declaration calls for a coordinated response to the epidemic. UNAIDS executive director Winnie Byanyima said Fiji had recognised the urgency and was strengthening its response.

Plans include introducing a needle and syringe programme, with legislative amendments expected to go before parliament. Authorities also plan to expand prevention, HIV testing and access to treatment, while low health awareness, cultural stigma and inadequate testing and treatment remain barriers identified in the response.