Fiji has announced a national emergency as HIV cases surge in the archipelago. Roughly one in 60 adults are now believed to be living with the virus, compared to one in 167 five years ago.<\/p>\n
The increase in cases has put pressure on the country\u2019s health system, with Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu saying that an outbreak-level response is no longer sufficient to address the issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday I am formally declaring a national health emergency in Fiji,\u201d he said<\/a> in a statement published on social media. \u201cThis decision recognises the seriousness of the epidemic and the urgent coordinated response our country now needs.\u201d<\/p>\n The politician also noted that there were 2,060 new diagnoses recorded in 2025, and that one in 50 pregnant women now have HIV. It is suspected that the surge in infections is linked to increased drug use, unsafe sex and needle sharing.<\/p>\n Coinciding with the declaration of a national emergency, the government in Fiji has unveiled plans<\/a> for firmer action to tackle HIV.<\/p>\n A needle and syringe programme is set to be introduced, providing people who inject drugs with clean supplies to minimise the risk of transmission. The government also plans to expand prevention, testing and treatment services, including wider access to PrEP and other medication.<\/p>\n \u201cThe response is focused on protecting lives, improving access to health services and reducing stigma,\u201d officials shared.<\/p>\n The move has been praised by Fiji\u2019s international partners, such as Australia, New Zealand, India, the Global Fund and the United Nations.<\/p>\n UNAIDS<\/a> Regional Director Eamonn Murphy shared, \u201cThe national crisis declaration is a call for action, not fear. HIV is not transmitted through everyday contact, and people on effective treatment with an undetectable viral load do not sexually transmit HIV.\u201d<\/p>\n Murphy added, \u201cFiji still has an opportunity to change the course of this epidemic. Stronger cooperation across the Pacific and sustained international solidarity can reinforce the national effort and help accelerate action.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a9 2026 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.<\/p>\n Support GCN<\/p>\n GCN is a free, vital resource for Ireland\u2019s LGBTQ+ community since 1988.<\/p>\n GCN is a trading name of National LGBT Federation CLG, a registered charity – Charity Number: 20034580<\/a>.<\/p>\n \n GCN relies on the generous support of the community and allies to sustain the crucial work that we do. Producing GCN is costly, and, in an industry which has been hugely impacted by rising costs, we need your support to help sustain and grow this vital resource.<\/p>\n