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Fiji declares national HIV emergency amid surging infection rates
Fiji has declared a national health emergency following a dramatic surge in HIV infections. Health Minister Antonio Lalabalavu stated that the situation has escalated to a national crisis, noting that the prevalence has risen from one in 167 adults five years ago to approximately one in 60 adults today.
Data from UNAIDS indicates that about 9,100 people in the nation of fewer than one million are living with HIV. A significant gap in care exists, as only 39% of those infected are aware of their status, and just 22% are receiving antiretroviral treatment. The surge is linked to increased methamphetamine use and unsafe injecting practices, including a dangerous method known as ‘bluetoothing’ where users share blood.
The epidemic has also severely impacted maternal and infant health. In 2025, 59 babies were born with HIV, 18 of whom died before their first birthday. In response, the Fijian government is expanding access to free testing, treatment, and harm-reduction services, such as needle and syringe exchange programs and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
Entities
Antonio Lalabalavu · Fiji · Fiji Ministry of Health · Ministry of Health Fiji · UNAIDS · Winnie Byanyima
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 11 SOURCES] Fiji has declared a national emergency due to a surge in HIV cases. banglamirrornews.com · hn24.hnonline.sk · www.kaaltv.com · www.spacemoney.com.br · actualidad.rt.com · +6 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Only 39% of people living with HIV in Fiji knew their status in 2025. banglamirrornews.com · hn24.hnonline.sk · www.kaaltv.com · actualidad.rt.com · dailytimes.com.pk · +2 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] About 9,100 Fijians were living with HIV in 2025. banglamirrornews.com · hn24.hnonline.sk · www.kaaltv.com · actualidad.rt.com · dailytimes.com.pk · +2 more
- [● 10 SOURCES] Approximately one in 60 adults in Fiji is living with HIV. banglamirrornews.com · hn24.hnonline.sk · www.kaaltv.com · www.spacemoney.com.br · actualidad.rt.com · +5 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Only 22% of people living with HIV in Fiji were accessing antiretroviral treatment. banglamirrornews.com · hn24.hnonline.sk · www.kaaltv.com · actualidad.rt.com · dailytimes.com.pk · +2 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] In 2025, 59 babies were born with HIV in Fiji and 18 died before age one. actualidad.rt.com · cenariomt.com.br · dailytimes.com.pk · www.staradvertiser.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] Fiji will implement a needle and syringe exchange programme. banglamirrornews.com · hn24.hnonline.sk · www.kaaltv.com · cenariomt.com.br · dailytimes.com.pk
- [● 2 SOURCES] The government plans to expand access to PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). actualidad.rt.com · dailytimes.com.pk