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[HEALTH] · Fiji · 4 sources

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Fiji declares national health emergency over rising HIV cases

Fiji has declared a national health emergency following a significant surge in HIV diagnoses. Data from UNAIDS and the Ministry of Health indicate that approximately 9,100 people were living with the virus in 2025, with one in 60 adults currently affected. This represents a twelve-fold increase in infections compared to 2010.

In 2025, Fiji recorded 2,016 new diagnoses, a 27 percent increase from the 1,583 cases reported in 2024. Health officials noted that the crisis is heavily linked to drug use, specifically the injection of methamphetamines; over 42 percent of new cases in 2025 were attributed to the sharing of contaminated needles or equipment.

Challenges in diagnosis and treatment remain critical. Reports indicate that only 39 percent of patients were aware of their status, and just 22 percent were receiving antiretroviral treatment. In response, the government has formed a ministerial subcommittee to accelerate prevention, testing, and harm reduction efforts. Proposed legislative changes may soon allow health workers to distribute needles to mitigate transmission risks.

Entities

Colonial Memorial Hospital · Fiji · Fiji Government · Jason Mitchell · Ministry of Health · UNAIDS

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