Fiji declares HIV a national health crisis as adult prevalence nears 2%

Fiji's government has declared HIV a national health crisis after recording 2,016 new diagnoses in 2025, a figure 16 times higher than in 2019. The health ministry said the known adult prevalence has risen from about one in 167 five years ago to roughly one in 60 today, and that two percent of pregnant women are living with the virus.

Officials said expanded testing has uncovered cases that previously went undetected, and a cabinet sub-committee will work to remove barriers to rapid action. The response includes free rapid testing, preventive medication for high-risk groups, harm-reduction services for people who inject drugs and free antiretroviral treatment for those diagnosed.

"The response is focused on protecting lives, improving access to health services and reducing stigma," the government said.

International partners such as Australia, New Zealand, India, the Global Fund and the United Nations are providing assistance. UNAIDS welcomed the move, noting that only about 39% of people living with HIV in Fiji know their status and 22% are on treatment.

"Fiji has recognized the urgency of the moment and is stepping up its response," UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima said.

UNAIDS also warned that most transmissions are sexual, with a significant share linked to injecting drug use, and emphasized that effective treatment prevents sexual transmission. The agency called the declaration a call for action rather than fear.