Fiji declares HIV emergency as cases surge

Fiji has declared a national emergency regarding HIV cases, after the latest estimate that one in 60 adults is infected. The move will allow more resources for testing and treatment.

A statement from the government says it is expanding access to free testing, preventive medicine and treatment. It adds that a person's HIV status is confidential, and discrimination against those infected is unlawful.

Health Minister Atonio Lalabalavu said,“This decision recognizes the seriousness of the epidemic and the urgent, coordinated response our country now needs.”

Authorities say last year there were 2,016 new cases, or 16 times the number from 2019. They say one in every 50 pregnant women is living with HIV. Last year, 59 babies were born infected, with 18 dying before their first birthday.

Factors behind the spread include drug use and sharing needles. Experts say drug traffickers use Fiji and other island nations as hubs.