Fiji: (RightNow) Fiji has declared a national emergency due to a surge in HIV cases. The small Pacific island has seen a significant increase in the number of people affected by HIV.

Currently, approximately 1 in 60 adults is affected by the blood-borne virus. Five years ago, this ratio was 1 in 167. Child mortality rates are also rising.

In 2025, Fiji, with a population of less than one million, recorded 2,016 new HIV cases. This number is alarmingly high.

Health experts and NGOs attribute the epidemic to drug use, unsafe sexual practices, and the trend of ‘bluetooting’. They state these factors are contributing to the spread of HIV.

It is important to note that Fiji has previously implemented various measures to control the HIV epidemic, but the recent increase is alarming.