Fiji declares national HIV emergency as Pacific nation grapples with surge in cases
Summary
Fiji has declared a national health emergency due to a large increase in HIV infections, partly linked to rising methamphetamine drug use. The government and health groups plan to respond with new programs to improve testing, treatment, and clean needle access.Key Facts
- Fiji’s health minister declared a national HIV emergency recognizing a serious epidemic.
- One in every 60 adults in Fiji now has HIV, compared to one in 167 five years ago.
- In 2025, Fiji recorded 2,060 new HIV diagnoses, with one in 50 pregnant women infected.
- New HIV infections in Fiji grew 12 times between 2010 and 2025, one of the fastest rises globally.
- Methamphetamine use and unsafe drug injecting are driving much of the HIV spread.
- Over half of HIV cases come from sexual transmission; more than 42% are linked to injecting drug use.
- Only 39% of people living with HIV in Fiji know their status, and only 22% receive treatment.
- Fiji plans to introduce a needle and syringe program and increase efforts in testing and treatment access.
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