The Fiji islands have declared HIV a national crisis after a sharp rise in reported infections, prompting the government to expand testing, treatment and prevention measures.
The declaration was welcomed by UNAIDS on September 16, 2026, which said Fiji is experiencing one of the fastest increases in new HIV infections globally.
UNAIDS said the Fijian government has created a Cabinet subcommittee to address policy and implementation barriers and accelerate the national response.
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Fiji Islands: Why Fiji’s HIV crisis is drawing attention
UNAIDS estimates that new HIV infections in Fiji increased 12-fold between 2010 and 2025.
About 9,100 people were estimated to be living with HIV in 2025, but only 39 per cent knew their status and 22 per cent were accessing antiretroviral treatment, according to UNAIDS.
Fiji’s Ministry of Health and Medical Services reported 2,016 newly diagnosed cases in 2025, the highest annual number recorded in the country’s surveillance data.
The ministry’s 2025 summary said the figure was 27 per cent higher than the 1,583 cases reported in 2024. It also recorded 5,676 cumulative diagnosed cases between 1989 and 2025. (2025 summary)
What is driving the increase
The available data points to more than one transmission pattern.
Among cases with a known mode of transmission, UNAIDS said more than half were linked to sexual transmission and more than 42 per cent were associated with injecting drug use.
The World Health Organization has previously reported that people who inject drugs accounted for 48 per cent of people starting HIV treatment in Fiji in 2024.
WHO said a rapid assessment found shortages of sterile syringes, unsafe injecting practices and concerns about discrimination when people sought health services in Suva.
The organization has described needle and syringe services as an important part of Fiji’s broader HIV response, alongside confidential testing, treatment and outreach.
Measures announced by the Fijian government
The government’s response is expected to combine public-health measures with legislative and administrative action.
- Expanded HIV testing and treatment access.
- Wider access to pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.
- Consideration of long-acting HIV prevention options, including twice-yearly injections.
- Stronger community outreach and peer-led services.
- Introduction of a needle and syringe programme.
- Measures aimed at reducing stigma and discrimination.
UNAIDS said legislative amendments connected to the needle and syringe programme are expected to be brought before Parliament.
The agency said the crisis declaration is intended to speed up action across government and society rather than create fear about everyday contact with people living with HIV.
What the numbers mean for residents and visitors
HIV is not transmitted through ordinary social contact such as hugging, sharing meals or being near someone who has the virus.
People who take effective treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load do not sexually transmit HIV, according to UNAIDS.
For residents, the immediate public-health priorities are testing, early treatment, access to prevention medication and services that people can use without fear of stigma.
For travellers, the declaration does not by itself represent a general travel warning. Australia’s current travel advice continues to recommend normal safety precautions in Fiji and says authorities issue visas on arrival for stays of less than four months.
What happens next
The Cabinet subcommittee will be responsible for helping move the response from declaration to implementation.
That process is likely to include decisions on funding, medicine supply, testing capacity, community partnerships and the legal framework for harm-reduction services.
UNAIDS said Fiji has an opportunity to change the direction of the epidemic, but sustained political commitment and cooperation with communities will be necessary.
The Ministry of Health’s surveillance report also emphasizes early diagnosis, treatment access, harm reduction and public education as key parts of the response.
The declaration therefore marks a significant government update, but its impact will depend on how quickly the announced measures reach people across Fiji’s islands and remote communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Fiji declare a national HIV crisis?
The declaration followed a sharp increase in new HIV diagnoses and concerns about limited awareness, testing and access to treatment.
How many new HIV cases did Fiji report in 2025?
Fiji reported 2,016 newly diagnosed HIV cases in 2025, according to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
What measures is Fiji planning?
The response includes expanded testing and treatment, wider PrEP access, community outreach and a proposed needle and syringe programme.
Can HIV spread through casual contact?
No. HIV is not transmitted through ordinary contact such as hugging, sharing food or being near someone who has the virus.
Does Fiji’s HIV declaration create a travel warning for Canadians?
The declaration is a public-health response and does not by itself create a general travel warning. Travellers should check current government travel advice before departure.
Fact-Checked: Key figures and response measures were checked against Fiji Ministry of Health, UNAIDS and WHO information published or updated in 2026.
Disclaimer: This article provides general news and public-health information and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified health professional or government travel authority.