Fiji Faces World’s Fastest-Growing HIV Outbreak

Fiji is confronting the world’s fastest-growing HIV outbreak, with adult HIV prevalence reaching 1.6%. Fiji declares an official outbreak in January 2025 and establishes a dedicated National HIV Outbreak Cluster Response Task Force. Australia pledges over US$10 million in direct aid, with technical and financial support from UNAIDS, WHO, and other international organizations.

Fiji HIV Outbreak:

Dimension	Key Details
Prevalence rate	Adult HIV prevalence in Fiji reaches 1.6%, roughly 1 in every 60 adults.
Diagnosis and treatment status	Only 1/3 of people living with HIV in Fiji know their status, and only 1/4 are currently receiving treatment.
Projected trend	Annual new infections are projected to triple by 2030.
Impact on children	Approximately 1 child per week is born with HIV in Fiji, and 1 child dies every month due to AIDS-related complications.
Key drivers behind the outbreak	Key drivers comprise rising methamphetamine use with needle-sharing practices; disruptions to prevention and treatment funding with broader health system pressures; and social stigma and fear of discrimination discouraging testing and early treatment.
Prevention and treatment tools	Response tools comprise expanded availability of oral PrEP, and Fiji is in line to receive Lenacapavir, a long-acting injectable HIV prevention drug, through the Global Fund.
Regional implications	Due to travel, tourism, seasonal employment, and family networks connecting Fiji with Australia, New Zealand, and other Pacific island nations, the outbreak poses a broader regional health security challenge.
Regional call to action	Fiji is urging neighboring Pacific nations to step up with funding, technical assistance, capacity building, and regional health coordination.