Suva, Fiji: Fiji has declared a national health emergency over a sharp increase in HIV infections, prompting the government to expand testing, prevention, treatment and harm-reduction measures across the Pacific island nation.

The government says 2,016 new HIV diagnoses were registered during 2025, the highest annual number recorded since national HIV surveillance began. The figure was 27% higher than the previous year.

HIV Burden Rising Rapidly

Current estimates indicate that about 9,100 people were living with HIV in Fiji in 2025, equivalent to roughly one in 60 adults. UNAIDS estimates that new HIV infections increased about twelvefold between 2010 and 2025.

Health authorities say increased testing has helped identify previously undiagnosed infections, but the figures also reveal significant gaps in prevention, diagnosis and continued access to treatment.

Only about 39% of people living with HIV were estimated to know their status, while around 22% were accessing antiretroviral treatment, according to UNAIDS estimates.

Government Expands National Response

Fiji’s Health Ministry has announced a broader government-wide response, including a five-minister Cabinet subcommittee to address policy and implementation barriers.

Authorities are planning to expand voluntary and confidential HIV testing, strengthen treatment services and improve access to medicines that can help prevent HIV infection.

The government is also considering wider availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), including longer-acting prevention options.

Injecting Drug Use Becomes a Major Concern

Health authorities are particularly concerned about HIV transmission associated with injecting drug use.

Fiji’s 2025 statistics recorded 362 newly diagnosed cases classified as associated with injecting drug use, representing 18% of all newly registered cases. Sexual transmission categories accounted for additional cases.

UNAIDS has welcomed plans to introduce a needle-and-syringe programme as part of a broader harm-reduction strategy. Legislative changes are expected to support implementation.

Young People Among Those Affected

Recent reporting has highlighted the significant number of young people among newly diagnosed cases.

Health and community organisations are therefore calling for stronger prevention programmes, easier access to testing and better health education for younger populations.

The government and health partners are also working to reduce stigma surrounding HIV, which can discourage people from seeking testing and treatment.

Treatment Can Reduce Transmission

Health authorities continue to emphasize that HIV is preventable and treatable.

People who receive effective antiretroviral treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load do not sexually transmit HIV, according to UNAIDS.

The government is therefore seeking to improve early diagnosis and ensure that people who test positive can be connected with appropriate medical care.

Pacific Region Watches Closely

Fiji’s situation is also attracting attention from neighbouring Pacific countries because of the region’s close links through travel, employment, education and family connections.

Samoa has already increased HIV surveillance and preparedness following Fiji’s emergency declaration, although its health ministry has stressed that it is taking precautionary measures rather than reporting a comparable outbreak.

Response Enters a Critical Phase

Fiji’s emergency declaration has placed HIV response efforts at a higher level of government coordination.

The immediate priorities include expanding testing, improving access to treatment, strengthening prevention programmes, supporting vulnerable communities and addressing stigma.

Health authorities and international partners will continue monitoring new diagnoses and treatment coverage as Fiji works to contain the rapidly changing HIV situation.