AI Image
Fiji ravaged by sharp surge in HIV cases
New York Post • • general
Key Points:
- Fiji declared HIV a national crisis after new diagnoses increased by 27% in 2025, with 2,016 people newly diagnosed and an estimated one in 60 adults living with the disease.
- The government reported 59 babies born with HIV last year, with 18 dying before their first birthday, and plans to expand free, voluntary testing, prevention medicines, and harm-reduction services.
- UNAIDS highlighted Fiji's sharp rise in infections, noting only 39% of those living with HIV knew their status and 22% were receiving antiretroviral treatment, urging urgent action.
- Over half of known transmissions were linked to sexual contact and more than 42% to injecting drug use, prompting government plans for needle-and-syringe programs and wider access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).
- A five-minister Cabinet subcommittee has been established to remove barriers to HIV response, emphasizing that discrimination against people living with HIV is illegal and services are available nationwide.
