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Fiji Declares HIV National Crisis as New Infections Continue to Rise
(MENAFN) Fiji has declared HIV a national crisis as the number of newly diagnosed cases continues to rise, with 2,016 infections recorded last year compared with 1,583 in 2024, according to reports.
Health Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said current estimates indicate that approximately one in every 60 adults in the South Pacific nation is living with HIV, highlighting the scale of the growing public health challenge.
As part of its response, the government plans to formally introduce a needle and syringe program aimed at strengthening prevention efforts. Authorities also intend to expand access to HIV testing and treatment while increasing availability of preventive medicines such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP.
Fiji is also preparing to broaden access to long-acting injectable HIV prevention as officials seek to strengthen the range of measures available to people at risk of infection.
The rising number of cases has also been reflected among pregnant women, with HIV prevalence among women attending antenatal care reaching around 2%, according to the health minister.
Authorities are expected to address several practical and administrative obstacles that have slowed the implementation of the government’s response. These efforts include resolving regulatory challenges, increasing staff training, ensuring adequate supplies and strengthening cooperation with local communities.
The government has also established a five-member ministerial committee tasked with addressing issues that have delayed the rollout of planned measures.
The latest response marks a broader effort by Fiji to expand prevention, testing and treatment services as the country confronts a growing HIV burden and seeks to strengthen its public health infrastructure.
Health Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu said current estimates indicate that approximately one in every 60 adults in the South Pacific nation is living with HIV, highlighting the scale of the growing public health challenge.
As part of its response, the government plans to formally introduce a needle and syringe program aimed at strengthening prevention efforts. Authorities also intend to expand access to HIV testing and treatment while increasing availability of preventive medicines such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, commonly known as PrEP.
Fiji is also preparing to broaden access to long-acting injectable HIV prevention as officials seek to strengthen the range of measures available to people at risk of infection.
The rising number of cases has also been reflected among pregnant women, with HIV prevalence among women attending antenatal care reaching around 2%, according to the health minister.
Authorities are expected to address several practical and administrative obstacles that have slowed the implementation of the government’s response. These efforts include resolving regulatory challenges, increasing staff training, ensuring adequate supplies and strengthening cooperation with local communities.
The government has also established a five-member ministerial committee tasked with addressing issues that have delayed the rollout of planned measures.
The latest response marks a broader effort by Fiji to expand prevention, testing and treatment services as the country confronts a growing HIV burden and seeks to strengthen its public health infrastructure.
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