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.

The increase in cases has put pressure on the country’s 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.

“Today I am formally declaring a national health emergency in Fiji,” he said in a statement published on social media. “This decision recognises the seriousness of the epidemic and the urgent coordinated response our country now needs.”

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.

Coinciding with the declaration of a national emergency, the government in Fiji has unveiled plans for firmer action to tackle HIV.

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.

“The response is focused on protecting lives, improving access to health services and reducing stigma,” officials shared.

The move has been praised by Fiji’s international partners, such as Australia, New Zealand, India, the Global Fund and the United Nations.

UNAIDS Regional Director Eamonn Murphy shared, “The 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.”

Murphy added, “Fiji 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.”