Fiji is experiencing a rapid increase in HIV.
New research presented at the 2026 International AIDS Conference shows how quickly an HIV epidemic can grow when people face barriers to testing, treatment and HIV prevention. Fiji has a population of less than one million people. Around 9,000 people are now living with HIV, with more than 2,000 people diagnosed in 2025 alone.

What is driving the increase?

One of the main factors is the sharing of injecting equipment among people who use methamphetamine. When people share needles or other injecting equipment, HIV can be passed through infected blood. Access to sterile injecting equipment is an important way to reduce this risk. Fiji currently lacks a national needle and syringe program. There are also reports of shortages of HIV testing kits and HIV medicines.

Treatment makes a difference

HIV treatment can reduce the amount of HIV in the body to an undetectable level. When a person has an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass HIV on through sex. However, many people living with HIV in Fiji do not yet have access to effective treatment. This means there is an urgent need to make HIV testing and treatment easier to access.

Stigma can make it harder to get help

HIV is also linked with stigma and discrimination in Fiji, particularly around drug use.
Stigma can make people worried about getting tested or talking to healthcare workers. It can also make it harder for people to ask for support. Making HIV services welcoming, private and free from judgement can help more people feel safe to access care.

What can we learn from Fiji?

Fiji’s experience shows why HIV prevention needs to be available to everyone.
Access to HIV testing, treatment, PrEP, sterile injecting equipment and accurate information can all help prevent new HIV infections. It also shows why people living with HIV need access to treatment and ongoing care. With the right support, people living with HIV can stay healthy and have an undetectable viral load. HIV prevention works best when people can access the services they need without fear of stigma or discrimination. Fiji’s growing HIV epidemic is a reminder that investment in HIV prevention, treatment and support remains important, in every country.

Read more:  You can read the full article from aidsmap here: aidsmap.com/news/…/fijis-perfect-hiv-storm