From the Guardian · · 1m 30s
Fiji declares national HIV emergency
The Pacific nation faces one of the world's sharpest HIV surges, driven by methamphetamine use and inadequate health infrastructure.
In brief
The Pacific nation faces one of the world's sharpest HIV surges, driven by methamphetamine use and inadequate health infrastructure. Fiji's HIV crisis has exploded from 1 in 167 adults five years ago to 1 in 60 today, requiring urgent coordinated action across drug use, testing, and treatment. Originally reported by…
Fiji declares HIV emergency
Health minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu formally declared a national health emergency on September 17, saying an outbreak-level response is no longer sufficient to address what he called an epidemic.
“This decision recognises the seriousness of the epidemic and the urgent coordinated response our country now needs.”
Infections have exploded
One in 60 adults in Fiji now has HIV, up from one in 167 just five years ago. In 2025 alone, the country recorded 2,060 new diagnoses.
“Five years ago, the estimate was one in 167. In 2025, we recorded 2,060 new HIV diagnoses.”
Sharpest global increase
New HIV infections in Fiji spiked 12-fold between 2010 and 2025, making it one of the world's fastest-growing epidemics despite having less than one million people.
Methamphetamine fuels spread
Fiji's role as a drug-running hub combined with escalating local methamphetamine use has driven rapid HIV transmission through unsafe injecting and lack of clean needles.
Treatment gap is massive
Of an estimated 9,100 people living with HIV in Fiji in 2025, only 39 percent knew their status and just 22 percent were accessing antiretroviral treatment.
Needle program planned
UNAIDS welcomed Fiji's plans to introduce a needle and syringe programme, with legislative amendments expected to go before parliament alongside efforts to expand prevention and testing.
“HIV epidemics can change quickly, and countries need health and community systems that are ready to respond urgently.”
The big picture
Fiji's HIV crisis has exploded from 1 in 167 adults five years ago to 1 in 60 today, requiring urgent coordinated action across drug use, testing, and treatment.
