Story perspectives

Fiji declares HIV emergency, plans needle distribution within two weeks

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 6:02 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Fiji government declared a national health emergency to combat a rapidly growing HIV epidemic.
Jason Mitchell expects the HIV Act to be amended within two weeks to permit needle distribution.
The amendment would allow workers to distribute thousands of needles at an annual cost of $23 m FJD (US$10.2 m).
Australia pledged A$48 million and New Zealand NZ$4.2 million for 2025-26 testing, treatment and needle-harm-reduction.

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Story summary

Fiji government declared a national health emergency to combat a rapidly growing HIV epidemic.
Jason Mitchell expects the HIV Act to be amended within two weeks to permit needle distribution.
The amendment would allow workers to distribute thousands of needles at an annual cost of $23 m FJD (US$10.2 m).
Australia pledged A$48 million and New Zealand NZ$4.2 million for 2025-26 testing, treatment and needle-harm-reduction.