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Fiji Declares a National Emergency as H.I.V. Cases Skyrocket
The New York Times • • health
Key Points:
- Fiji has declared a national crisis due to a dramatic rise in HIV cases, with over 2,000 new infections recorded in 2025—16 times the number reported in 2019.
- Approximately one in 60 adults in Fiji are now living with HIV, marking one of the sharpest increases in new infections globally, according to UNAIDS.
- The surge in HIV cases is linked to increased injectable drug use and is widespread across the country, not confined to specific areas or populations.
- Fiji's role as a regional hub for business, tourism, and transport raises concerns that the epidemic could spread to other South Pacific nations if not controlled.
- UNAIDS emphasizes that Fiji's outbreak serves as a stark reminder that the global fight against AIDS is far from over.
