Fiji: The South Pacific nation of Fiji has declared HIV a national crisis, with 2,016 new diagnoses recorded last year, up from 1,583 in 2024, local media reported on Tuesday. Health Minister Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu stated that estimates suggest about one in every 60 adults in Fiji is living with HIV.

According to Anadolu Agency, the government is set to introduce a formal needle and syringe program as part of its response to the growing epidemic. This will be alongside expanded HIV testing and treatment, greater access to pre-exposure drugs like prophylaxis, or PrEP, and long-acting injectable prevention.

With an increasing number of cases, the Health Minister further mentioned that HIV prevalence among women attending antenatal care has reached around 2%. The government plans to address this by resolving regulatory issues, training staff, securing supplies, and strengthening community engagement.

Additionally, a committee of five ministers has been formed by the Cabinet to tackle the issues that have slowed the implementation of these measures.