Fiji records 2,016 new HIV cases in 2025, prompting national health emergency

Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after recording one of the sharpest increases in new infections worldwide, with health authorities warning the outbreak has spread far beyond high-risk groups.

Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu announced the declaration this week, indicating that an estimated one in 60 adults in the Pacific nation is now living with HIV - up from one in 167 just five years ago. 

Among pregnant women, two in every 100 are living with the virus, and 59 babies were born with HIV in 2025, with 18 dying before their first birthday.

The country recorded 2,016 new diagnoses in 2025 alone, a 12-fold increase in new infections since 2010, as per UNAIDS.

Among the estimated 9,100 HIV-positive Fijians, only 39% were aware of their condition, and 22% were receiving ARV treatment, which was significantly lower than the worldwide average of 78%.

This rise has been fueled by rising consumption of methamphetamine, injection without safety, and an extremely risky behaviour called “bluetoothing,” whereby drug users inject themselves with the blood of drugged people. 

The geographical position of Fiji as a drug transit point from Latin America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand has exacerbated the problem.

A Cabinet subcommittee has been formed by the government to speed up its response process, which includes a needle and syringe exchange program and provision of PrEP.

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima welcomed the declaration, saying: “It is also a stark reminder to the world that AIDS is not over. HIV epidemics can change quickly, and countries need health and community systems that are ready to respond urgently.”