The government of Fiji declared a national emergency in mid-September 2026. This happened because HIV infections increased very quickly in the country. Between 2010 and 2025, HIV cases rose 12-fold. Now, about 9,000 people in Fiji live with the virus. This is a big health crisis for the nation.
Health officials say the situation is very serious. The health minister said that 1 in 60 adults in Fiji now live with HIV. Many young people are affected. In fact, two-thirds of all HIV cases are in people aged between 20 and 34. This is a problem for the future of the country.
Experts say there are many reasons for this. Many young people use a drug called crystal meth. The use of this drug increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. High unemployment and easy access to illegal drugs are also big problems. These social issues make the health crisis worse.
The virus also spreads through sexual contact. A survey in 2021 showed that many people do not use protection. Only 24% of men with multiple partners used a condom. Also, only 9% of women with multiple partners used a condom. In 2025, 59 babies were born with HIV. This shows how the virus affects everyone, including infants.
Other countries are trying to help. In August, the Australian government promised $48 million to help Fiji. This money will help the health system fight the epidemic and the drug problem. Fiji must work hard to stop the virus and help its people.