Fiji declares HIV emergency as infections surge to one in 60
One in 60 Fijian adults now carry HIV, with new cases up 27 per cent in a single year.
Fiji has declared a national HIV emergency following a sharp rise in infections. The government reported that 2,016 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2025, a 27 per cent increase from the year before.
Five years ago, one in 167 Fijians had the virus; now it is one in 60 adults. Fifty-nine babies were born with HIV last year and 18 died before their first birthday.
An estimated 9,100 Fijians are living with HIV, though only 39 per cent know their status. The government is expanding free testing, preventive medicines, and harm-reduction services for injecting drug users.
Fiji is experiencing one of the world's sharpest rises in new infections, according to UNAIDS.
- One in 60 adults
- Current prevalence
- 2,016
- New cases in 2025
- 27 per cent
- Year-on-year increase
- 18 before first birthday in 2025
- Infants who died with HIV
Why it mattersSharp rises in HIV infections overwhelm health systems and require urgent prevention and treatment to prevent further transmission and deaths.
AustraliaFiji is a close Pacific neighbour and tourism destination for Australians; the health crisis may lead to Australian health aid and affect visitor patterns.
Corroborated bysmh.com.au·theage.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 7 d ago
