Fiji declares national HIV emergency as Pacific nation grapples with surge in cases
Government estimates that one in 60 adults in Fiji now living with HIV, as escalating use of methamphetamine fuels ‘epidemic’
TL;DR
- Fiji has declared a national health emergency following a spike in HIV infections.
- The number of adults living with HIV has risen from one in 167 five years ago to one in 60.
- One in 50 pregnant women in Fiji has HIV.
- New HIV infections in Fiji have spiked 12-fold between 2010 and 2025.
- The rise in HIV is linked to Fiji's role as a drug-running hub and increased methamphetamine use.
- Unsafe injecting, lack of clean needles, low health awareness, cultural stigma, and inadequate testing/treatment have worsened the crisis.
- Over half of known HIV transmission modes are sexual, and more than 42% are linked to injecting drug use.
- Only 39% of estimated people living with HIV in Fiji in 2025 were aware of their status, and only 22% were accessing treatment.
- Plans are underway to introduce a needle and syringe program, with legislative amendments expected.