Fiji declares national emergency over surging HIV cases

Fiji has declared a national health emergency over a surge in HIV cases, expanding access to testing, treatment and prevention across the archipelago of under one million people.

• Fiji has declared a national health emergency over the surging HIV epidemic, following a cabinet decision on 9 September.
• Health Minister Antonio Lalabalavu said one in 60 adults now lives with HIV, up from one in 167 five years ago, with more than 2,000 new diagnoses recorded in 2025.
• The government will introduce a syringe and needle exchange programme, with legislative amendments to be brought before parliament.
• UNAIDS said only 39% of the estimated 9,100 Fijians living with HIV knew their status and just 22% accessed antiretroviral treatment.