Thursday, September 17, 2026 - Fiji has declared HIV a national emergency after recording a sharp rise in new infections.
The government said the scale of the crisis requires an expanded national response, while UNAIDS has confirmed its support for Fiji’s intensified efforts.
The country recorded 2,016 new HIV diagnoses in 2025, its highest annual total on record.
Officials estimate that approximately one in 60 adults in Fiji is living with HIV, placing urgent pressure on health services, testing programmes, and treatment access.
UNAIDS reported that new infections increased twelvefold between 2010 and 2025. The surge highlights the need for faster testing, wider access to prevention tools, consistent treatment, and stronger public education to reduce transmission and protect vulnerable communities.
The emergency declaration creates an opportunity for Fiji to accelerate its response before the crisis worsens.
Immediate investment in healthcare capacity, community outreach, and stigma-free services will be critical to controlling infections and ensuring people living with HIV receive timely, effective care.
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