Fiji declares HIV a national crisis as new infections rise 27% in 2025

Fiji's health authorities announced a national emergency over HIV after the number of new diagnoses rose 27% last year, reaching 2,016 cases in 2025. The government estimates that roughly one in 60 adults in the Pacific nation is living with the virus, with 9,100 people affected overall.

Among the newly identified cases, 59 infants were born with HIV and 18 died before turning one. Officials said broader testing efforts helped uncover infections earlier, allowing for prompt treatment.

The response plan includes widening access to free, voluntary and confidential testing, expanding availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and providing harm-reduction services such as needle-and-syringe programmes for people who inject drugs. A five-minister cabinet subcommittee has been created to address barriers to implementation, and discrimination against people living with HIV is prohibited by law.

"Fiji has recognized the urgency of the moment and is stepping up its response," said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. "It is also a stark reminder to the world that AIDS is not over."

UNAIDS data indicate that more than half of known transmission routes involve sexual contact, while over 42% are linked to injecting drug use. The agency welcomed Fiji's proposed measures to increase treatment coverage, noting that only 39% of those living with HIV are aware of their status and 22% receive antiretroviral therapy.