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Fiji declares national HIV emergency amid rising infection rates
Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency following a sharp surge in infections. Health Minister Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu reported that approximately one in 60 adults in the nation is living with HIV, a significant increase from one in 167 five years ago. In 2025, the country recorded over 2,000 new HIV diagnoses.
Authorities have linked the rapid spread of the virus to rising methamphetamine use and unsafe injecting practices, as Fiji serves as a regional drug-trafficking hub. Sexual transmission also remains a primary driver, accounting for more than half of cases where the mode of transmission is known. The crisis has also impacted maternal health, with HIV prevalence among women in antenatal care reaching approximately 2 percent.
The government is implementing a multi-faceted response, which includes introducing a formal needle and syringe program, expanding access to free testing, and increasing availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and antiretroviral treatment. A five-member Cabinet committee has been established to address regulatory and administrative hurdles.
Health officials have also expressed concern regarding social media stigma and vigilante behavior, warning that discrimination could discourage individuals from seeking essential testing and care.
Entities
Fiji · Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu · Sitiveni Rabuka · UNAIDS · Winnie Byanyima · World Health Organization
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] A five-member Cabinet committee has been formed to address regulatory and administrative hurdles. namibiadailynews.info · news.az · www.deccanchronicle.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 5 SOURCES] Fiji has the second-fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region. asiapacificreport.nz · frontpage.lk · eveningreport.nz · lestimes.com · www.deccanchronicle.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Health officials are warning against social media stigma and vigilante behavior targeting those with HIV. www.fbcnews.com.fj
- [● 7 SOURCES] Approximately 39 percent of people living with HIV in Fiji know their status, and 22 percent are receiving treatment. astig.ph · thecsrjournal.in · www.theguardian.com · frontpage.lk · lestimes.com · +2 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] HIV prevalence among women in antenatal care has reached approximately 2 percent. namibiadailynews.info · asiapacificreport.nz · eveningreport.nz · news.az · www.theguardian.com · +2 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] The government is introducing a formal needle and syringe program to combat the epidemic. namibiadailynews.info · news.az · astig.ph · lestimes.com · www.deccanchronicle.com · +1 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] Fiji recorded over 2,000 new HIV diagnoses in 2025. namibiadailynews.info · asiapacificreport.nz · eveningreport.nz · news.az · thecsrjournal.in · +6 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] An estimated one in 60 adults in Fiji is living with HIV. namibiadailynews.info · asiapacificreport.nz · eveningreport.nz · news.az · thecsrjournal.in · +6 more