Fiji declares national HIV emergency as infections surge to one in 60 adults

Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency after a surge in new infections. Health Minister Atonio Lalabalavu made the announcement on Wednesday, citing the seriousness of the epidemic. New diagnoses reached 2,016 in 2025, a 16-fold increase from 2019. An estimated one in 60 adults is now living with HIV, up from one in 167 five years ago. The crisis is driven by sexual transmission and injection drug use. The government is expanding free testing, prevention, and treatment, with support from international partners. UNAIDS says the declaration is a call for action, not fear.