Fiji Declares HIV a National Emergency as Cases Surge

Fiji has formally declared its HIV epidemic a national emergency, as health authorities move to strengthen the country’s response to the rapidly growing number of infections.

Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says an outbreak-level response is no longer sufficient, with the crisis now requiring coordinated action across Government, communities and development partners.

An estimated one in every 60 adults in Fiji is now living with HIV, compared with about one in 167 five years ago.

The Ministry of Health’s latest surveillance data recorded 2,016 new HIV diagnoses in 2025, the highest annual number recorded since national surveillance began.

Children have also been affected. Of the new cases recorded last year, 59 children acquired HIV through mother-to-child transmission, highlighting serious gaps in prevention, testing and treatment during pregnancy and after birth.

The Government’s strengthened response will focus on expanding HIV testing and treatment, improving access to PrEP, strengthening follow-up care and introducing a needle and syringe programme aimed at reducing transmission associated with injecting drug use.

Health authorities have stressed that testing remains voluntary and that the privacy, dignity and rights of people living with HIV must be respected.

Dr Lalabalavu has also called for communities, faith-based organisations, the Vanua and other partners to work alongside Government to strengthen prevention and care while tackling stigma surrounding HIV.

For Fijians, the message remains simple: know your status, seek treatment early and do not stigmatise people living with HIV.

HIV can be treated, and people living with HIV who receive appropriate treatment and care can live long and healthy lives.