Fiji ravaged by sharp surge in HIV instances

WELLINGTON — Fiji has declared HIV a nationwide disaster after new diagnoses climbed 27% final yr, intensifying concern that an epidemic as soon as concentrated amongst individuals who inject medication is spreading extra broadly by way of the Pacific island nation.

The authorities stated in an announcement posted on Facebook that 2,016 individuals have been identified with HIV in 2025 and estimated that one in 60 adults was residing with the illness.

Fifty-nine infants have been born with HIV final yr, and 18 died earlier than their first birthday, it additionally stated.

Authorities stated expanded testing had helped uncover infections, enabling earlier therapy. 

Fiji now plans to widen entry to free, voluntary and confidential testing, prevention medicines, in addition to harm-reduction providers for injecting drug customers and therapy.

Fiji, a rustic of round 900,000 individuals, is experiencing one of many world’s sharpest rises in new infections, in accordance with UNAIDS.

It estimates that 9,100 Fijians have been residing with HIV final yr and that solely 39% knew their standing and that 22% have been receiving antiretroviral therapy.

“Fiji has recognized the urgency of the moment and is stepping up its response,” UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima stated. “It is also a stark reminder to the world that AIDS is not over.”

Among instances with a recognized transmission route, greater than half have been linked to sexual transmission and over 42% to injecting drug use, UNAIDS stated.

The company welcomed authorities plans for a needle-and-syringe programme and expanded entry to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), drugs used to decrease the chance of contracting HIV.

The authorities has arrange a five-minister Cabinet subcommittee to take away boundaries to motion.

It stated discrimination towards individuals residing with HIV is unlawful and providers can be found nationwide.

Fiji’s estimate of 1 in 60 adults residing with HIV stays under components of Africa, the place almost 1 in 35 adults live with HIV, in accordance with the World Health Organization.