Last year, 2,016 people were diagnosed with HIV in Fiji - 16 times more than in 2019. According to government estimates, one in 60 adult Fijians has HIV.
"This decision recognizes the seriousness of the epidemic and the urgent, coordinated response that our country now needs," said Health Minister Atonio Lalabalavu when he declared a national emergency on Wednesday.
In 2025, 59 children were born with HIV in Fiji. Eighteen of them died before their first birthday.
Now, increased access to preventive services, free HIV testing and treatment is being promised. The South Pacific island nation is receiving help to pay for the measures from, among others, Australia, New Zealand and the UN.
