Fiji’s growing HIV situation has raised fresh concern following the identification of a two-month-old baby living with both HIV and tuberculosis (TB).

The case has highlighted the increasing impact of HIV and TB among children and the need for stronger prevention, testing and treatment services.

As of 31 August 2026, Fiji had recorded 438 TB cases, including 182 people who were also living with HIV.

Among children under five diagnosed with TB last year, 70 percent were also living with HIV.

The latest figures also indicate that around 12,000 people in Fiji are estimated to be living with HIV, with approximately one in every 60 adults aged 15 to 49 affected.

In 2025, 59 babies acquired HIV through mother-to-child transmission, while 67 new HIV cases were recorded among children under 15. Seventeen children in that age group reportedly died from HIV-related causes.

HIV infections among children and teenagers aged 10 to 19 also increased by 45 percent.

The figures have renewed calls for stronger HIV prevention and testing, particularly among pregnant women, as well as timely treatment and antenatal care to reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmission.

Greater awareness among parents, caregivers and young people is also being encouraged, alongside efforts to reduce stigma against people living with HIV.

The case of the two-month-old baby serves as a serious reminder of the impact HIV and TB can have on Fiji’s youngest and most vulnerable.

Health authorities continue to encourage people to make use of available testing and treatment services and to seek medical assistance early.