# Fiji declares HIV a national crisis > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hiv-epidemic-in-fiji > Updated: 2026-09-15T11:47:26.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 3. Fiji is experiencing a rapidly escalating HIV epidemic, characterized by a 14-fold increase in infections over the last five years. Adult HIV prevalence is estimated at approximately 1.6 percent, with roughly 12,000 people suspected to be living with the virus. The crisis has had a severe impact on infants, with reports indicating approximately one child is born with HIV every week and one death occurs monthly from related illnesses. Health officials and researchers have identified several contributing factors, including increased drug use, needle sharing, underfunded health services, and social stigma. In response to the rising numbers—which included 2,016 diagnoses in 2025—medical professionals have called for urgent measures. Following these calls, the government has officially declared HIV a national crisis. Minister for Health and Medical Services Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu reported that approximately one in 60 adults is estimated to be living with the virus, a significant increase from one in 167 five years ago. Prevalence among women receiving antenatal care has risen to approximately 2 percent. Authorities have specifically linked the rapid spread to rising methamphetamine use and unsafe injecting practices, noting Fiji’s role as a regional drug-trafficking hub. Sexual transmission remains a primary driver, accounting for more than half of cases where the mode of transmission is known, while more than 42 percent are linked to injecting drug use. To combat the surge, the government is preparing to launch a formal needle and syringe program, integrated with expanded testing, increased treatment availability, and broader access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and long-acting injectable prevention. A five-member Cabinet committee has been formed to manage administrative and regulatory hurdles, and the government expects to introduce legislative amendments during the next parliamentary session. ## Claims - An estimated one in 60 adults in Fiji is living with HIV. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Fiji recorded over 2,000 new HIV diagnoses in 2025. (corroborated by 17 sources) - Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu formally declared a national HIV emergency in Fiji. (corroborated by 16 sources) - HIV prevalence among women in antenatal care has reached approximately 2 percent. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Approximately 39 percent of people living with HIV in Fiji know their status, and 22 percent are receiving treatment. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The government is introducing a formal needle and syringe program to combat the epidemic. (corroborated by 8 sources) - More than half of HIV cases with a known mode of transmission are linked to sexual transmission, and more than 42 percent are linked to injecting drug use. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Fiji has the second-fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region. (corroborated by 5 sources) - A five-member Cabinet committee has been formed to address regulatory and administrative hurdles. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Health officials are warning against social media stigma and vigilante behavior targeting those with HIV. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-15: Fiji declares national HIV emergency amid rising infections Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency as infections surge, now affecting an estimated one in 60 adults. The government is responding with expanded testing, treatment, and a new needle and syringe program. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fiji-declares-hiv-a-national-crisis-amid-rising-infections ### 2026-09-13: Fiji faces rising HIV infections and public health challenges Fiji faces a growing HIV crisis with rising infection rates and infant mortality, alongside urgent calls to improve suicide prevention and pediatric heart disease screening. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fiji-faces-rising-hiv-infections-and-public-health-challenges ### 2026-09-07: Fiji HIV epidemic prompts calls for New Zealand to expand regional health response Researchers urge New Zealand to strengthen its health response as Fiji faces one of the world’s fastest-growing HIV epidemics, threatening regional health security. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fiji-hiv-epidemic-prompts-calls-for-new-zealand-to-expand-regional-health-response --- Cite as: Fiji declares HIV a national crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hiv-epidemic-in-fiji