HIV/AIDS Amendment Bill 2026 Passed in Parliament

The HIV/AIDS (Amendment) Bill 2026 has been passed by Parliament, clearing the way for Fiji to introduce legally authorised HIV harm reduction programmes.

The amendments allow programmes to provide sterile needles and syringes, condoms, PrEP and PEP, safe disposal facilities, counselling and HIV awareness, as well as referrals to treatment, rehabilitation, mental health and other support services.

Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu has stressed that the amendments do not legalise or decriminalise illicit drugs and do not reduce existing penalties for drug offences. Their purpose is to provide the legal framework required for HIV harm reduction measures.

The change comes as Fiji intensifies its response to HIV, which the Government declared a national crisis in September.