Story perspectives

Fiji Declares National HIV Emergency as Diagnoses Surge 27%

By Drooid · Sep 20, 2026, 2:20 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Health Minister Atonio Lalabalavu declared a national HIV emergency on Sept 15, 2026.
The government estimates one in 60 adults in Fiji now live with HIV.
2025 saw 2,016 new HIV diagnoses, a 27 % rise and a 16-fold increase since 2019.
The emergency launches a whole-of-government response, expanding free testing, treatment, PrEP and needle-syringe programmes.

1 of 1

Story summary

Health Minister Atonio Lalabalavu declared a national HIV emergency on Sept 15, 2026.
The government estimates one in 60 adults in Fiji now live with HIV.
2025 saw 2,016 new HIV diagnoses, a 27 % rise and a 16-fold increase since 2019.
The emergency launches a whole-of-government response, expanding free testing, treatment, PrEP and needle-syringe programmes.