Fiji Declares National Emergency as HIV Epidemic Surges

In response to a rapid increase in HIV infections, the Fijian government has declared a national emergency and is expanding testing, treatment, and prevention services. The Ministry of Health reported that in 2025, there were 2,016 new HIV cases added, indicating that one in every 60 adults in Fiji now lives with HIV. The government is amending laws in parliament to initiate syringe and needle programs, while the Minister of Health has urged the public to get tested.

The HIV epidemic has placed immense pressure on Fiji’s healthcare system. Due to the virus’s rapid spread, the government declared a national emergency and is scaling up services for testing, treatment, and prevention. Currently, one in every 60 adults in the Pacific island nation of Fiji carries the virus—a significant increase from five years ago when it was just one in every 167 adults.

Health Minister Antonio Lalabalavu stated that the usual response is no longer sufficient. Health experts attribute the spread of the epidemic to rising drug abuse, unsafe sexual practices, reuse of needles, and “bluetoothing” (the practice of sharing syringes). A shortage of syringes has forced people in Fiji to reuse needles. According to UNAIDS, in 2025, 9,100 people in Fiji were living with HIV; only 39% were aware of their status, and just 22% received antiretroviral treatment.

Jason Mitchell, head of Fiji’s National HIV Response Taskforce, said that controlling the epidemic will take at least five years. UNAIDS welcomed the emergency declaration, noting that it will help the government and society to respond more seriously and effectively.