Fiji has formally declared HIV as a national emergency, amid one of the sharpest increases in new HIV infections globally. The declaration on 15 September builds on a response that has already been underway for the past two years.
In 2024, Fiji endorsed its HIV Surge Strategy 2024–2027 and subsequently launched a national HIV Outbreak Response Plan, with UNAIDS, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners supporting implementation.
The emergency declaration provides an opportunity to further intensify this work.
UNAIDS estimates that in 2025, an estimated 9100 people were living with HIV – 12 times more than the number recorded in 2010. Yet only 39% knew their status and 22% were accessing treatment.
WHO continues to provide support to the Government of Fiji and welcomes the new measures announced to expand access to free HIV testing and prevention services. These include pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) – prevention medicine for people at substantial risk of getting HIV, harm reduction measures for people who inject drugs, and free treatment for people diagnosed with HIV.
"Although the HIV situation in Fiji is very concerning, there are grounds for hope. Global examples show that with significant and sustained action it is possible to bring this emergency under control, and modern treatments mean people living with HIV can live normal healthy lives and not pass the infection on,” said Dr Mark Jacobs, WHO Representative to the South Pacific and Director of Pacific Support, based in Suva.
“We know what works – testing, early diagnosis, access to treatment and appropriate care, needle syringe programs, empowered communities, and addressing stigma and discrimination. WHO will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, along with other partners, as we have done from the very beginning.”
Earlier this year, the Government announced it plans to introduce a needle and syringe programme. The Government also reassured that free treatment is available to ensure that people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives, and that treatment also prevents them from spreading HIV to their loved ones.
Staying informed and addressing misinformation is key because fear, uncertainty, and rumours can increase stigma and discourage people from taking preventive action or accessing the care, support and treatment they need in a timely manner.
The Ministry of Health and Medical Services continues to demonstrate strong leadership in Fiji and beyond by putting in place both immediate and long-term strategies, additional resources, as well as Talanoa conversation opportunities to exchange learnings across the Pacific.
A regional dialogue on HIV was held at the Pacific Heads of Health Meeting recently in Rarotonga, Cook Islands. There, Pacific island countries recognized that no nation is safe unless they are all working together given the region is so closely connected.
Pacific countries agreed that urgent preparedness and tailored action are needed in their respective countries because engaging now saves on higher cost and negative impact by acting early.
"Everyone has a role to play,” emphasized Dr Jacobs. “WHO calls for continued whole-of-government and whole-of-society collaboration and engagement to collectively get on top of the situation.”