Fiji Declares National HIV Emergency
Fiji has officially declared a national emergency regarding HIV, responding to a concerning rise in infections that coincides with increased methamphetamine use across the Pacific nation.
Dr. Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu, the country’s health minister, shared this urgent news via social media, indicating that the previous measures for outbreak-level response simply aren’t enough to tackle what he described as an “epidemic.” He emphasized, “Today I am formally declaring a national health emergency in Fiji. This decision recognises the seriousness of the epidemic and the urgent coordinated response our country now needs.”
He mentioned that the government estimates indicate one in every 60 adults in Fiji is currently living with HIV, a stark increase from one in 167 just five years ago. In 2025 alone, there were 2,060 new diagnoses, and alarmingly, one in 50 pregnant women is also affected.
The recent emergency declaration follows a cabinet decision from September 9 and points to the fact that a more unified response is necessary, especially considering the small population of less than a million. According to UNAIDS, Fiji is experiencing one of the fastest increases in new HIV infections globally, which spiked an astonishing twelve-fold from 2010 to 2025.
Fiji’s geographical situation as a center for drug trafficking, along with the local rise in methamphetamine consumption, has significantly contributed to the rapid spread of HIV. Unsafe injecting practices and limited access to clean needles further complicate the issue. The crisis is exacerbated by low health literacy, cultural stigma, and insufficient testing and treatment options.
Data from UNAIDS indicates that among known transmissions, more than half are linked to sexual contact, and over 42% are associated with injecting drug use. Shockingly, out of an estimated 9,100 individuals living with HIV in Fiji in 2025, only 39% were aware of their status, and merely 22% were receiving antiretroviral treatment.
In light of the emergency declaration, Winnie Byanyima, the executive director of UNAIDS, commented that this situation serves as a stark reminder that AIDS is far from over. “HIV epidemics can change quickly, and countries need health and community systems that are ready to respond urgently,” she stated. Byanyima also noted that Fiji is acknowledging the urgency of this crisis and is increasing its response efforts.
The UN agency expressed its support for proposed initiatives, including the introduction of a needle and syringe program and expected legislative changes aimed at enhancing prevention, testing, and treatment access.
