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Fiji declares national HIV emergency as infections hit one in 60 adults — up from one in 167 five years ago

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026.

Fifty-nine babies were born with HIV in Fiji last year, of whom 18 did not survive their first birthday, as the Pacific nation's government declared a national HIV emergency.
Fifty-nine babies were born with HIV in Fiji last year, of whom 18 did not survive their first birthday, as the Pacific nation's government declared a national HIV emergency.

Fiji's health minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu has formally declared a national HIV emergency after new diagnoses surged 27 per cent last year, with the government now estimating one in every 60 adults is living with the virus. New infections spiked 12-fold between 2010 and 2025, making Fiji one of the fastest-growing HIV epidemics on the planet. Officials link the crisis to a sharp rise in methamphetamine use and the Pacific nation's position as a drug-running hub.

One in 50 pregnant women in Fiji now has HIV; 59 babies were born with the virus last year, of whom 18 did not survive to their first birthday.

Only 39 per cent of the estimated 9,100 Fijians living with HIV know their status, and just 22 per cent are receiving antiretroviral treatment.

UNAIDS chief Winnie Byanyima warned: 'AIDS is not over' — as Fiji plans needle exchanges and wider access to preventative medication.

MoreThe IndependentFiji declares national crisis as HIV infects one in every 60 adultsThe GuardianFiji declares national HIV emergency as Pacific nation grapples with surge in casesAPFiji declares national HIV emergency and extends testing program as cases surgeReutersFiji declares HIV a national crisis as diagnoses surgeBBCFiji declares HIV a national emergency as cases surge - BBC
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