Fiji declared a national HIV emergency after new diagnoses surged 27% in 2025, with one in 60 adults now living with the virus, according to official data and UNAIDS reports.
Fiji’s government has formally declared a national health emergency over the HIV crisis, citing a 27% spike in new infections in 2025 and a stark rise in cases among adults. The move follows a cabinet decision on 9 September, with Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu stating that one in every 60 adults in the Pacific nation is now living with HIV—a sharp increase from one in 167 five years prior. This decision recognises the seriousness of the epidemic and the urgent coordinated response our country now needs, he said.
The health minister’s statement was made on social media, where he highlighted the urgency of the situation. Today I am formally declaring a national health emergency in Fiji,
he said. This decision recognises the seriousness of the epidemic and the urgent coordinated response our country now needs.
The government estimates that one in every 60 adults in Fiji is now living with HIV, compared to one in 167 five years ago. In 2025, the country recorded 2,060 new HIV diagnoses, according to the health minister, though other sources cite 2,016 individuals diagnosed in 2025. The disparity in figures underscores the complexity of tracking the epidemic, but the consensus is that the crisis is escalating rapidly.
Among the most alarming statistics is the impact on infants. The government revealed that 59 babies were born with HIV last year, with 18 dying before their first birthday. Authorities attribute the surge to increased methamphetamine use, unsafe injecting practices, and limited access to clean needles. The health minister also cited the nation’s role as a drug-running hub, which has exacerbated the spread of HIV. Low health awareness, cultural stigma, and inadequate testing and treatment have further compounded the crisis, according to UNAIDS.
National HIV Testing Week
UNAIDS estimates that 9,100 Fijians were living with HIV in 2025, but only 39% were aware of their status, and just 22% accessed antiretroviral treatment. Among known transmission cases, over half were linked to sexual contact, while injecting drug use accounted for more than 42%. The government revealed that 2,016 individuals were diagnosed in 2025, with 59 infants born with the virus and 18 dying before their first birthday. Authorities attribute the surge to increased methamphetamine use, unsafe injecting practices, and limited access to clean needles.
UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima called the situation a stark reminder to the world that AIDS is not over. She praised Fiji’s plans to expand testing, treatment, and harm-reduction initiatives, including a proposed needle-and-syringe program. HIV epidemics can change quickly, and countries need health and community systems that are ready to respond urgently, Byanyima said. The agency also highlighted the need for legislative reforms to support these efforts, a step the government is advancing through a five-minister cabinet subcommittee.
The government has set up a five-minister Cabinet subcommittee to remove barriers to action. It said discrimination against people living with HIV is illegal and services are available nationwide. Fiji’s estimate of one in 60 adults living with HIV remains below parts of Africa, where nearly 1 in 35 adults are living with HIV, according to the World Health Organization. Despite this, the rapid growth rate demands immediate action, with UNAIDS urging increased international funding and collaboration.
Challenges and Cultural Barriers
Fiji declares national HIV emergency as Pacific nation grapples
Fiji’s HIV crisis is compounded by low health awareness, cultural stigma, and inadequate testing infrastructure. Only 39% of those living with HIV knew their status in 2025. Officials have pledged to expand free, confidential testing and preventative medications, but progress faces hurdles. Fiji has recognised the urgency of the moment and is stepping up its response, quoting Byanyima. However, the government acknowledges that discrimination against people with HIV remains a barrier, despite legal protections.
The government has also emphasized the importance of expanding testing capabilities, which have helped uncover previously undetected cases. Authorities intend to widen access to free, voluntary, and confidential testing, as well as preventative medications, harm-reduction initiatives for intravenous drug users, and medical treatment. This approach aligns with UNAIDS’ recommendations, which include the introduction of a needle-and-syringe program and expanded access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), medicine used to lower the risk of contracting HIV.
What Comes Next: Legislative and Global Support
The government plans to introduce legislative changes to support its HIV response, including the needle-and-syringe program. UNAIDS has called for increased international funding and collaboration, as Fiji’s epidemic outpaces many regions in Africa, where one in 35 adults carries the virus. While Fiji’s adult prevalence rate remains lower than some African nations, the rapid growth rate demands immediate action.
Fiji declares national crisis as HIV infects one in
Practical Next Steps